A 42-year-old patient, the mother of two children, has just been told that her ovarian cancer is terminal. The patient, usually religiously observant, is expressing rage at God and the clergy
The nurse makes the diagnosis of spiritual distress related to a situational crisis. Which intervention is appropriate for this patient?
A) Engage the patient in diversional activities to distract her from the present situation.
B) Help the patient use effective coping strategies to ease spiritual discomfort.
C) Encourage the patient to read everything possible about the treatment of ovarian cancer.
D) Allow the patient time and space to bargain with God for a cure.
Ans: B
Feedback: As the patient calls forth her ability to cope or learns new coping strategies, she may be able to ease her spiritual distress and possibly return to religious practice. Developing effective coping strategies helps the patient cope with spiritual distress more effectively than diversional activities or reading about treatment. Bargaining with God for a cure is an element of the grieving process.
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