Ch 30: Spirituality

Question 1

definition of spirituality

Answer 1

essence of our being that transcends and connects us to the Divine and other living organisms; relationships and feelings

Question 2

definition of religion

Answer 2

human-created structures, rituals, symbolism, and rules relating to the Divine; structured way of expressing of spirituality

Question 3

what is an atheist

Answer 3

believe there is no superior being or god, and are certain

Question 4

what is an agnostic

Answer 4

doubt if there is a superior being or god, but are uncertain

Question 5

spiritual needs and their meanings

Answer 5

love - unconditional; feeling of caring
meaning and purpose - All life experiences make sense and served a purpose; nothing is in vain; understanding of significance in the world
hope - expectation of something in the future
dignity - sense of value and worth through connection

Question 6

Considered healing; can facilitate the process of putting things in order and achieving closure

Answer 6

foregiveness

Question 7

Appreciation and thankfulness; nourishes the spirit and strengthens the ability to cope; facilitated with a life review

Answer 7

gratitude

Question 8

Reality beyond ourselves; belief that a higher power empowers us; thinks about life beyond material existence

Answer 8

transcendence

Question 9

Belief in a higher power expressed through religious practices

Answer 9

expression of faith

Question 10

lack of spiritual well-being

Answer 10

Actual/perceived disruption in the relationship with a higher power and/or spiritual needs aren’t fulfilled

Question 11

causes of lack of spiritual well-being

Answer 11

illness, declining health, added burdens, past sinful behavior, losses, awareness of mortality, conflicts b/w
spiritual and medical needs

Question 12

s/s of lack of spiritual well-being

Answer 12

anger,
anxiety,
complaints,
crying,
cynicism,
depression,
guilt,
hopelessness,
isolation,
low self-esteem,
powerlessness,
refusal to make plans,
suicidal thoughts,
questioning beliefs

Question 13

assessment of spiritual needs should address:

Answer 13

Faith beliefs and practices
Affiliation with a faith community
Extent of fulfillment of spiritual needs

Question 14

assessing spiritual needs data is collected through:

Answer 14

Admission history
Visible cues
Comments
Lack of spiritual well-being/distress

Question 15

addressing spiritual needs

Answer 15

Strong spiritual beliefs facilitate health and healing
Be available
-Develop trust, provide undivided attention, attentive listening
Honor beliefs and practices
-Special diets, refusing care on Sabbath, wearing of specific clothing, praying at specific times of the day, provide privacy for beliefs and practices, provide religious texts, etc.
Provide opportunities for solitude
-Allows personal communication with higher power
-Calms the mind and assist in focusing thoughts to the present
-Prayer, reflection, meditation
–Can reduce stress, stimulate immune function, and control pain

Question 16

promoting hope

Answer 16

Establish a trusting relationship, identify factors leading to hopelessness
Develop realistic goals
Life review to highlight successes
Find pleasure and enjoyment in current activities
Encourage a relaxing, uplifting environment
Facilitate spiritual practices & religious services
Developing affirmations
Personal journal
Music therapy
Support group
Humor therapeutically

Question 17

assisting in discovering meaning

Answer 17

Older adults can question their current purpose
Open, nonjudgmental attitude for the nurse

Question 18

facilitating religious practices

Answer 18

Contact clergy as needed
Ensure/evaluate safe use of religious practices
Do not challenge beliefs/practices or attempt to change them
Respect the option not to participate

Question 19

praying with and for our patients

Answer 19

• Can be beneficial for healing
• Perform if it doesn’t violate the
  client’s or your faith
• If you are not comfortable, ask
  coworkers

Question 20

religious beliefs and practices of Baptist

Answer 20

Believe Jesus Christ is savior; scripture reading is
important; encourage abstinence from alcohol;
healing power in laying hands; may believe illness is
God’s will and may respond passively to care

Question 21

religious belief and practices of Buddhism

Answer 21

Enlightenment in meditation; vegetarian; abstain from alcohol and tobacco; may refuse treatment on religious holidays; private, uninterrupted time for mediation is important

Question 22

religious beliefs and practices with Catholicism

Answer 22

Believe in the Pope as the head of the church; fast during Lent and on Fridays; use of rosary beads, medals, statues, and other objects; priest provides communion, confession, and Sacrament of the Sick

Question 23

religious beliefs and practices of Hinduism

Answer 23

One of the world’s oldest religions; belief in karma and reincarnation; illnesses viewed as a sin from past life; vegetarian; abstain from alcohol and tobacco; no fixed scripture or doctrine

Question 24

religious beliefs and practices of Islam

Answer 24

Second largest believe in one God; Koran is scripture; pray five times a day facing Mecca; privacy during prayer; abstain from pork and alcohol; all meat must be blessed and killed in a special way; washing before prayer time; accept medical practices if it does not violate religious
practices; family may wash and prepare deceased body; autopsy and organ donation are not done; women may not be able to make decisions without a man

Question 25

religious beliefs and practices of Jehovah Witness

Answer 25

Discourage use of alcohol and tobacco; blood transfusions are not accepted; do not eat raw meat

Question 26

religious beliefs and practices of Judaism

Answer 26

Follow Kosher diet (not mixing milk and meat, no pork or shellfish, no meat not slaughtered in Jewish law, separate utensils for meat and milk); Sabbath restrictions (no smoking, riding in car, handling money, using TV); no use of a razor to shave; men where skullcaps; married women cover their hair; after death, body should not be left alone, no autopsy, body must be buried within 24 hours; prayer important
Can be Orthodox (info above), conservative (same basic laws, but hair is only covered during prayer and worship, may approve autopsy), reform (more casual)

Question 27

religious beliefs and practices and mormonism

Answer 27

Abstain from alcohol, caffeine, and other substances that are unhealthy; sacred undergarment always worn (except in emergencies); prayer and reading with sacred writings is important; may oppose medical treatments through laying of hands

Question 28

religious beliefs and practices and Seventh-Day Adventist

Answer 28

Body is a temple; alcohol, tobacco, coffee, tea, and recreational drugs are prohibited; vegetarians, but pork and shellfish are avoided; Sabbath is on Saturday (may oppose treatment on this day)