1. A nurse is caring for a patient who is terminally ill with

cancer. The patient expresses anger and resentment towards

God and questions the meaning of life. The nurse

recognizes that the patient is experiencing a spiritual crisis.

What is the most appropriate intervention for the nurse to

do?

a) Encourage the patient to pray and read religious

scriptures.

b) Refer the patient to a chaplain or a spiritual counselor.

c) Validate the patient's feelings and provide empathic

listening.

d) Avoid discussing spirituality and focus on physical

comfort.

*Answer: c) Validate the patient's feelings and provide

empathic listening.*

Rationale: The nurse should respect the patient's spiritual

beliefs and values and provide emotional support.

Validating the patient's feelings and providing empathic

listening can help the patient cope with the spiritual crisis

and find meaning in their situation. Encouraging the patient

to pray and read religious scriptures may not be helpful if

the patient is angry with God or has different religious

preferences. Referring the patient to a chaplain or a

spiritual counselor may be appropriate, but only after

assessing the patient's willingness and readiness to talk to

them. Avoiding discussing spirituality may make the

patient feel isolated and neglected.