Spiritual and Psychosocial Support Flashcards

Who on the hospice interdisciplinary team is primarily responsible for addressing spiritual needs?

Answer: Chaplain or spiritual care counselor

The hospice chaplain or spiritual care counselor is trained to address spiritual needs, though all team members support holistic care and can alert the chaplain to patient needs.

What is the nursing assistant's role in spiritual care?

Answer: Observe and report spiritual concerns to the care team and provide respectful, non-judgmental presence

Nursing assistants observe patients for signs of spiritual distress, provide non-judgmental presence, and report concerns to the supervising nurse or chaplain.

Spirituality in palliative care is best described as:

Answer: The dimension of life that relates to meaning, purpose, and connection—which may or may not include religion

Spirituality encompasses the search for meaning, purpose, and connection, and is broader than religion—it can be expressed in many forms regardless of religious belief.

A patient expresses that they fear they have not lived a good life. This is best identified as:

Answer: Spiritual distress

Expressing guilt, regret, or fear about one's life is a sign of spiritual distress and should be reported to the chaplain or nurse for appropriate follow-up.

When a patient or family member requests a specific religious ritual, the nursing assistant should:

Answer: Facilitate the request by notifying the nurse and chaplain, and accommodate as able

The nursing assistant should respectfully facilitate religious and spiritual requests by notifying the appropriate team members and accommodating the patient's needs within policy.

What is 'life review' in hospice care?

Answer: A process where the patient reflects on their life experiences, finding meaning and resolution

Life review is a therapeutic process in which patients reflect on their life experiences and relationships, which can bring a sense of meaning, peace, and resolution near the end of life.