A client is being treated for prostate cancer; his prognosis is very poor. The client has a strong faith, and he has been active in his church for many years. He is concerned about his health and the challenges he faces as his cancer progresses. Which comment by the nurse reflects the most appropriate spiritual nursing intervention for this client?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

To carry out spiritual interventions, the nurse enters a therapeutic relationship with the client and uses the self as a therapeutic tool. Assuming that the nurse can do so genuinely, offering to pray with this client is the best intervention that allows the nurse to act as a therapeutic tool. Although guided imagery is an appropriate spiritual intervention in many cases, it is unlikely to be as strong a tool in this scenario given this client's strong religious background. Suggesting that the client attend the nurse's church may inappropriately impose the nurse's belief system on the client. Saying that the client will "go to Heaven" if he chose the correct church is unsupportive; it potentially casts doubt on the client's belief system and may reinforce doubt and anxiety.

A Client Is Being Treated for Prostate Cancer; His Prognosis