Exam #2: Spiritual Pain & Suffering Flashcards
What is total pain? What are the four elements of total pain?
- Physical pain
- Mental anguish
- Spiritual suffering
- Emotional distress
**Note that the lower three things make physical pain worse
What should you think if someone has pain that is disproportionate to their injury/ surgery?
You’re likely not addressing the right aspect of pain
What is suffering?
Severe distress associated with events that threaten the intactness of the person
What are the four major predictors of suffering?
1) Regret of past events
2) Current marital problems
3) Little social support
4) Pessimistic attitude
Do you need to fix suffering?
No, chances are that we cannot fix suffering
What is the difference between the body and person in suffering?
- Body doesn’t suffer, it experiences pain
- Person suffers & experiences pain
How can you alleviate psycho-social symptoms?
Utilize an interdisciplinary team approach
What is hope essential to?
Quality of life
*Note that hope needs to be realistic, unrealistic hope is very damaging to the patient.
What is important to remember about presence?
It is vital to journey with patients, but it is important to not be completely invested in a “positive” outcome
What do you absolutely need to remember in regards to spirituality?
- Your humanity supersedes your medical expertise
- Your personal beliefs & convictions impede appropriate care
What is the FICA model of spiritual assessment?
Model of assessing spirituality
How can you ask questions for the F part of FICA?
Do you have spiritual beliefs that help you cope with stress?
How can you ask questions for the I part of FICA?
What importance does your belief have in your life?
How can you ask questions for the C part of FICA?
Are you part of a religious or spiritual community
How can you ask questions for the A part of FICA?
How do your beliefs influence what we do in your care?
