When developing a plan of care, the nurse should consider which attribute of the concept of spirituality?

Question

a. Spirituality is not a well-known universal concept
b. Chronic versus acute illnesses affect spirituality
c. Convincing patients to pray is a priority intervention
d. Referrals may be needed to spiritual counselors

Answer 1

ANS: D
The attributes of the concept of spirituality in the context of nursing care are described below.
• Spirituality is universal. All individuals, even those who profess no religious belief, are driven to derive meaning and purpose from life.
• Illness impacts spirituality in a variety of ways. Some patients and families will draw closer to God or however they conceive that higher Power to be in an effort to seek support, healing, and comfort. Others may blame and feel anger towards that Higher Power for any illness and misfortune that may have befallen a loved one or their entire family. Still others will be neutral in their spiritual reactions.
• There has to be willingness on the part of patient and/or family to share and/or act on spiritual beliefs and practices.
• The nurse needs to be aware that specific spiritual beliefs and practices are impacted by family and culture.
• The nurse needs to be willing to assess the concept of spirituality in patients and families and based on this ongoing assessment to integrate the spiritual beliefs of patients and families into care.
• The nurse needs to be willing to refer the patient or family to a Spiritual Expert i.e. a Minister, Priest, Rabbi, an Imam.
• Community based religious organizations can provide supportive care to families and patients and nurses need to be aware of these resources.