The nurse and client have spent several minutes praying together that

The nurse and client have spent several minutes praying together that the client’s upcoming surgery will be successful. What action should the nurse take at this point?

1. Gently tell the client that the nurse must take care of other duties.
2. Smile and pat the client and silently leave the room.
3. Stay with the client until the emotion evoked by the prayer dissipates.
4. Ask the client if there is anything else the nurse can do.

ANSWER

Correct Answer: 3
Rationale 1: This statement makes it appear as if the prayer was just one more task in the nurse’s list of responsibilities and would not be appropriate.
Rationale 2: The nurse should not pat the client and leave the room silently. This would not support the client’s spiritual needs.
Rationale 3: The nurse should stay with the client for a few minutes after the prayer has ended until the strong emotions that can be evoked by joint prayer dissipate.
Rationale 4: Asking if there is anything else the nurse can do makes the prayer look like just another task in a busy day.