When asked about his or her religious affiliation, a client responds,

When asked about his or her religious affiliation, a client responds, “That’s personal; why do you want to know?” The most appropriate nursing response is:

1. “You need not answer my question if you prefer not to share that information.”
2. “All information you provide will be kept in strict confidence.”
3. “By knowing your religious preferences, I can best meet your spiritual needs.”
4. “I did not mean to offend you; we ask that question of all our new admissions.”

ANSWER

ANS: 3
The Joint Commission requires health care organizations to acknowledge clients’ rights to spiritu-al care and provide for clients’ spiritual needs through pastoral care or others who are certified, ordained, or lay individuals. The Joint Commission requires nurses to assess their clients’ denom-ination, beliefs, and spiritual practices. Informing the client of this requirement and the purpose for which the information will be used is the most appropriate response. The remaining options fail to fully answer the client’s question.