A patient with a terminal illness expresses a desire to discuss spiritual concerns. What is the nurse's appropriate action?

• A. Discourage spiritual discussions to maintain focus on medical care
• B. Refer the patient to a spiritual care provider or chaplain
• C. Ignore the request, as it is beyond the nurse's scope of practice
• D. Suggest the patient discusses spiritual concerns with family only

Answer: (B)

Addressing spiritual concerns is a fundamental part of holistic palliative care, acknowledging that meaning, purpose, and connectedness are central to comfort at the end of life. When a patient expresses a desire to discuss spirituality, the most appropriate action is to facilitate access to a spiritual care provider or chaplain. This supports the patient’s beliefs and values, respects autonomy, and helps address spiritual distress that can accompany serious illness. The nurse can listen empathetically, validate the patient’s feelings, and obtain consent to involve a chaplain or spiritual advisor, coordinating with the care team as needed. This approach honors the patient’s wishes and provides specialized support that may be beyond what the nurse alone can offer. Discouraging discussions, ignoring the request, or limiting spiritual concerns to family would miss an essential aspect of the patient’s well-being and could heighten suffering.