A client has just had his status changed to “comfort care only.” The n

QUESTION

A client has just had his status changed to “comfort care only.” The nurse recognizes that the client is spiritually distressed. The nurse understands that spiritual pain

a. cannot be inferred from the client’s behavior.
b. is not as severe as physical pain.
c. cannot be verbally shared.
d. can be as severe as physical pain.

ANSWER:

Spiritual pain can be as severe as physical pain and often is closely accompanied by emotional pain. Asking about the effect an illness or health problem has had on spiritual beliefs yields useful information. Being able to talk freely about spiritual distress helps put it into perspective. Identifying a client’s current religious affiliations and practices is important, and inquiring about religious rituals important to the client is essential. Spiritual pain can be inferred from behavior and if the client is willing to share verbally.