Ch 35: Spiritual Health Practice Test Flashcards
An emergency department nurse is caring for a patient who was severely injured in a car accident. The patient’s family is in the waiting room. They are crying softly. The nurse sits down next to the family, takes the mother’s hand, and says, “I can only imagine how you’re feeling. What can I do to help you feel more at peace right now?” In this example the nurse is demonstrating:
- Prayer.
- Presence.
- Coaching.
- Instilling hope.
Answer: 2.
The nurse demonstrates presence in this situation by establishing a therapeutic relationship and being with the mother during a particularly stressful time.
A patient states that he does not believe in the existence of God. This patient most likely is an:
- Academic.
- Atheist.
- Agnostic.
- Anarchist.
Answer: 2.
Atheists do not believe in the existence of God.
As the nurse cares for a patient in an outpatient clinic, the patient states that he recently lost his position as a volunteer coordinator at a local community center. He expresses that he is angry with his former boss and with God. The nurse knows that the priority at this time is to assess the patient’s spirituality in relation to his:
- Vocation.
- Life satisfaction.
- Fellowship and community.
- Connectedness with his family and co-workers.
Answer: 1.
Many people express their spirituality through their vocation, which can include volunteer positions.
A patient who is hospitalized with heart failure states that she sees her illness as an opportunity and a challenge. Despite her illness, she is still able to see that life is worth living. This is an example of:
- Hope.
- Faith.
- Values.
- Connectedness
Answer: 1.
Hope refers to an energizing source that is oriented to future goals and outcomes. Faith allows people to have firm beliefs despite lack of physical evidence; in this situation the patient is energized by the future and has hope that it will be positive despite her heart failure.
Which of the following statements made by an older adult whose husband recently died most indicates the need for follow-up by the nurse?
- “I planted a tree at church in my husband’s honor.”
- “I have been unable to talk with my children lately.”
- “My friends think that I need to go to a grief support group.”
- “I believe that someday I’ll meet my husband in heaven.”
Answer: 2.
Feelings of connectedness are important for the older adult; this statement indicates that this woman is having difficulty staying connected with her children, who are potentially an important resource for the woman.
Which of the following nursing interventions support(s) a healing relationship with a patient? (Select all that apply):
- Praying with the patient
- Giving pain medications before a painful procedure
- Telling a patient that it is time to take a bath before family arrive to visit
- Making the patient’s bed following hospital protocol 5. Helping a patient see positive aspects related to a chronic illness
Answer: 1, 5.
Praying with patients and mobilizing the patient’s hope create a healing relationship.
A patient expresses the desire to learn how to meditate. What does the nurse need to do first?
- Answer the patient’s questions
- Help the patient get into a comfortable position
- Select a teaching environment that is free from distractions
- Encourage the patient to meditate for 10 to 20 minutes 2 times a day
Answer: 3.
A quiet environment without distractions enhances learning and is essential for meditation.
An older adult is receiving hospice care. Which nursing intervention(s) help the patient cope with feelings related to death and dying? (Select all that apply.)
- Teaching the patient how to use guided imagery
- Encouraging the family to visit the patient frequently
- Taking the patient’s vital signs every time the nurse visits
- Teaching the patient how to manage pain and take pain medications 5. Helping the patient put significant photographs in a scrap- book for the family .
Answer: 1, 2, 5.
Guided imagery and encouraging connectedness with family members reduce anxiety and enhance coping
Which of the following questions would best assess a patient’s level of connectedness?
- What gives your life meaning?
- Which aspects of your spirituality would you like to discuss right now?
- Who do you consider to be the most important person in your life at this time?
- How do you feel about the accomplishments you’ve made in your life so far?
Answer: 3.
Connectedness refers to feelings about relationships with self, others, and God; this question asks about connectedness with others.
A nurse is using the B-E-L-I-E-F tool to complete a spiritual assessment on a 12-year-old male who has recently been diagnosed with acute lymphocytic leukemia. Which of the following questions would the nurse use to assess the child’s involvement in the spiritual community?
- Which church do you attend?
- Which sports do you like to play?
- Are there any foods you cannot eat?
- In which church activities do you participate?
Answer: 4.
This question assesses the child’s fellowship and involvement in a spiritual community
A nurse is caring for a patient who refuses to eat until after the sun sets. Which religion does this patient most likely practice?
- Islam
- Sikhism
- Hinduism
- Catholicism
Answer: 1.
Patients who practice Islam do not eat until after the sun goes down during the month of Ramadan.
A Catholic patient with diabetes receives the following items on his meal tray on the Friday before Easter. For which of the foods does the nurse offer to substitute?
- Apple sauce
- Cheese and crackers
- Spaghetti with meat sauce
- Tossed salad with ranch dressing
Answer: 3.
Most Catholics do not eat meat on Good Friday
A nurse is working in a health clinic on a Navajo reservation. He or she plans care for the patients knowing which of the following is true?
- The patients may not be on time for their appointments.
- The patients most likely do not trust the doctors and nurses.
- The patients probably are not comfortable if they have to remove their undergarments.
- Terminally ill patients probably want to receive the sacrament, the anointing of the sick.
Answer: 1.
Navajos are not always on time for appointments.
A 62-year-old male patient has just been told he has a terminal illness. Which of the following statements supports a nursing diagnosis of spiritual distress related to diagnosis of terminal illness?
- “I have nothing to live for now.”
- “What will happen to my wife when I die?”
- “How much longer do I have to live?”
- “I need to go to church and pray for a miracle.”
Answer: 1.
Patients with spiritual distress verbalize lack of hope and meaning.
Which of the following would be the most appropriate outcome for a patient who has a nursing diagnosis of spiritual distress related to loneliness?
- Encourage the patient to meditate 2 to 3 times a week.
- The patient will set up a time to speak to a close friend in 1 week.
- Encourage the patient to phone his brother and set up a time to go out for dinner.
- The patient will experience greater connections with family members in 2 months.
Answer: 2.
This outcome addresses the patient’s nursing diagnosis. The statement “The patient will set up a time to speak to a close friend in 1 week” as well as encouraging the patient to set up a time to go to dinner with his brother are both nursing interventions. The statement “The patient will experience greater connections with family members in 2 months” is a goal.
