Which of the following questions will provide the nurse with the best

Which of the following questions will provide the nurse with the best understanding of a termi-nally ill client’s spiritual needs?

1. “Do you have a religious preference?”
2. “Have you given thought to your spiritual needs?”
3. “Is there a particular clergy you would like to visit with?”
4. “Are there any spiritual needs you have that I may help with?”

ANSWER

ANS: 4
In asking if there are any spiritual needs that the client might need help with, you collect infor-mation about life goals, values, and religious practices; part of a client’s spirituality. This option provides the client with an opportunity to discuss his needs if indeed he has any while reaffirm-ing the nurse’s wish to meet his needs. Asking simply is a client has a religious preference is a closed-ended question and provides little encouragement to discuss spiritual needs. While asking if the client has given thought to their spiritual needs provides an opportunity to discuss any cli-ent needs, it does not allow for the nurse to be of help with attending to these needs. Inquiring about a particular clergy is a closed-ended question and provides little encouragement to discuss spiritual needs.