Chapter 35 Spiritual Health Fundamentals of Nursing 11th Edition (Potter & Perry) 50 NCLEX-Style Exam Questions with Detailed Rationale

1. A nurse assesses a patient who expresses a loss of meaning in life and a sense of spiritual distress. What is the best initial nursing intervention? A) Ask the patient to define their beliefs and what gives them purpose B) Offer to contact a chaplain immediately C) Encourage the patient to rest and avoid deep thought D) Suggest focusing on positive thoughts only Answer: A Rationale: Understanding the patient's unique spiritual beliefs and sources of meaning is foundational to individualized spiritual care. ________________________________________ 2. Which of the following best defines spirituality? A) Participation in religious rituals B) An individual's sense of meaning, purpose, and connection to others or a higher power C) Following a specific faith tradition D) A requirement of holistic care Answer: B Rationale: Spirituality encompasses meaning, purpose, connection, and may or may not include formal religion. ________________________________________ 3. A nurse notes that a patient prays before every meal. This is an example of: A) Ritualism B) Religious practice C) Cultural preference D) Superstition Answer: B Rationale: Religious practices often include prayer, which is a way individuals express their spirituality. ________________________________________ 4. Which of the following is a spiritual need commonly identified in hospitalized patients? A) Need for privacy B) Need for meaning and purpose C) Need for nutrition D) Need for sleep Answer: B Rationale: Patients often seek meaning and connection during illness, reflecting spiritual needs. ________________________________________ 5. When assessing a patient's spirituality, the nurse should: A) Avoid asking about religious beliefs to prevent offense B) Use open-ended questions to explore spiritual beliefs and practices C) Limit discussion to physical health D) Refer immediately to pastoral care Answer: B Rationale: Open-ended questions promote patient-centered exploration of spirituality. ________________________________________ 6. Which tool can a nurse use to assess spiritual needs? A) GAD-7 B) MMSE C) FICA D) Braden Scale Answer: C Rationale: The FICA tool assesses Faith, Importance, Community, and Addressing spiritual needs in care. ________________________________________ 7. A patient says, “I feel like God is punishing me with this illness.” This statement reflects: A) Acceptance B) Hopefulness C) Spiritual distress D) Religious delusion Answer: C Rationale: Expressing feelings of punishment by a higher power is a classic indicator of spiritual distress. ________________________________________ 8. A patient states they don’t believe in God but find peace through nature and meditation. This is best described as: A) Religious B) Spiritual but not religious C) Atheist D) Agnostic Answer: B Rationale: Spirituality can exist outside formal religion and may include personal practices like meditation. ________________________________________ 9. Which nursing diagnosis best applies to a patient experiencing spiritual distress? A) Risk for injury B) Spiritual distress C) Ineffective coping D) Social isolation Answer: B Rationale: “Spiritual distress” is a NANDA-approved diagnosis when a patient expresses disrupted beliefs.