Psychosocial and Spiritual Care
Psychosocial and Spiritual Care ( 5 Questions)
A client who is receiving palliative care for advanced lung cancer tells the nurse that they have lost their faith in God and feel abandoned and alone. Which response by the nurse is most appropriate?
The nurse should acknowledge the client's feelings and use open-ended questions to explore their faith and how it has changed. This can help the client to express their doubts, fears, or anger, and to find meaning and hope in their situation.
"Don't say that. God loves you and has a plan for you. You just need to trust Him." - This is a response that may reflect the nurse's own beliefs, but it does not respect the client's feelings or perspective. It may also make the client feel guilty, judged, or misunderstood.
"Maybe you should try to pray more or read some inspirational books. They might help you feel better." - This is a response that may suggest some possible sources of comfort or guidance, but it does not address the client's feelings or concerns. It may also imply that the client is not doing enough to maintain their faith or that their faith is the cause of their distress.
"I can see that this is very hard for you. Would you like me to contact a chaplain or a spiritual leader for you?" - This is a response that may offer some professional support, but it does not explore the client's faith or how it has changed. It may also be premature or unwanted by the client without assessing their readiness or preference for spiritual assistance.
The nurse should acknowledge the client's feelings and use open-ended questions to explore their faith and how it has changed. This can help the client to express their doubts, fears, or anger, and to find meaning and hope in their situation.
Incorrect options:
B) "Don't say that. God loves you and has a plan for you. You just need to trust Him." - This is a response that may reflect the nurse's own beliefs, but it does not respect the client's feelings or perspective. It may also make the client feel guilty, judged, or misunderstood.
C) "Maybe you should try to pray more or read some inspirational books. They might help you feel better." - This is a response that may suggest some possible sources of comfort or guidance, but it does not address the client's feelings or concerns. It may also imply that the client is not doing enough to maintain their faith or that their faith is the cause of their distress.
D) "I can see that this is very hard for you. Would you like me to contact a chaplain or a spiritual leader for you?" - This is a response that may offer some professional support, but it does not explore the client's faith or how it has changed. It may also be premature or unwanted by the client without assessing their readiness or preference for spiritual assistance.