Introduction to Nursing Diagnosis: Spiritual Suffering
nursing diagnosis is a comprehensive taxonomy of recognized nursing diagnoses, which are defined clinical judgments about individual, family, or community responses to actual or potential health problems/life processes. NANDA-I nursing diagnoses categories include impaired comfort, ineffective coping, insomnia, risk for infection, and risk for spiritual distress. The spiritual suffering nursing diagnosis from the list of NANDA-I diagnoses was categorized under Risk for Reduced Resilience.
Nursing Diagnosis Definition
The NANDA-I definition for Spiritual Suffering nursing diagnosis reads:
- Risk for Reduced Resilience – At risk for diminished capacity to adapt and cope with aversive events.
Defining Characteristics (Subjective)
- Spiritual discomfort
- Struggle to find meaning in life
- Questions own worth and values
- Anger at God/higher power
- Difficulty to find serenity and peace
- Lack of joy
- Feelings of sadness
- Discord between beliefs and practices
- Loss of hope
- Fear of death/dying
Defining Characteristics (Objective)
- Loss of interest in activities once found meaningful
- Limited interaction with others
- Unresponsive to comfort and joy
- Crying spells
- Withdrawal from family and friends
- Verbal expression of hopelessness or helplessness
- Lack of optimism
- Social isolation
- Engagement in behaviors once held sacred
- Altered level of consciousness (for example, preoccupation)
- Inability to adapt to significant life changes: Changes in personal life, death/loss of loved one, relocation, loss of employment, physical illness/infirmity, financial stress.
- Interpersonal/cultural conflict: Lack of support/accommodation from interpersonal relationships, difficulty understanding conflicting religious/cultural beliefs, loss of sense of purpose.
- Lack of spiritual coping mechanisms: Few individuals/institutions to rely on, inadequate knowledge of spiritual coping strategies.
Risk Populations
- People in hospital/health care settings
- People with chronic illnesses
- Elders
- Terminally ill
- People living with mental illness
- People who identify as LGBTQ+
- People facing end-of-life decisions
Associated Problems
Individuals experiencing spiritual suffering may exhibit the following associated problems, such as:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Social isolation
- Anger
- Lack of motivation/purpose in life
- Self-destructive behaviors
- Poor job performance
Suggestions of Use
Spiritual suffering nursing diagnosis can be suggested for use in any setting (clinic, hospital, hospice, etc.) whenever a client’s spiritual needs are not being met adequately. Nurses should assess for signs and symptoms of spiritual distress by asking questions about the client’s religious/spiritual beliefs and cultural values and/or refer them to appropriate services/resources.
Suggested Alternative Nursing Diagnosis
Other related diagnoses may include:
- Ineffective Coping
- Ineffective Spirituality
- Readiness for Enhanced Spiritual Wellbeing
Usage Tips
- Assess for spiritual suffering in every client.
- Encourage clients to engage in spiritual activities and offer referrals to appropriate resources.
- Regularly monitor the client’s spiritual health.
- Assess spiritual needs of the family and refer to relevant support services.
NOC Results
The nursing interventions may lead to the following positive outcomes, as measured by the NOC measure:
- Spiritual Well-Being: An individual’s satisfaction derived from awareness of participating in meaningful activities, communities, and relationships with self, others, and environment.
- Social Support Network: Availability of people with whom to share feelings, hopes, and concerns.
- Coping Self-Efficacy: Beliefs about one’s ability to successfully handle an adverse situation.
- Hope: Perception that the desired outcome will be achieved.
- Resilience: Ability to adjust to change and/or cope with adversity.
NIC Interventions
In line with the NANDA-I nursing diagnoses, a variety of nursing interventions may be implemented, including but not limited to the following:
- Spiritual Assessment: Evaluate the client’s spiritual history, interests, and needs; assess spiritual distress and refer to appropriate services.
- Counseling on Spiritual Issues: Provide spiritual counseling and support to clients experiencing spiritual distress.
- Referral: Refer to appropriate resources and support services that can help meet the individual’s spiritual/emotional needs.
- Foster Spiritual Practices: Assist the client in establishing/maintaining spiritual practices such as meditation, prayer, and/or journaling.
- Assist in Development of Meaningful Goals: Encourages clients to set meaningful goals as part of developing a sense of purpose in life.
- Provide Emotional Support: Provide emotional support to clients and families experiencing spiritual distress.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the spiritual suffering nursing diagnosis from the list of NANDA-I nursing diagnoses can provide an effective tool for nursing professionals to recognize and assess for spiritual distress. Through early recognition and assessment, nurses can intervene effectively and provide appropriate services/resources that can help individuals experiencing spiritual distress.
FAQ
Q: How do I assess for spiritual suffering?
A: Assessing for spiritual suffering should include conducting a spiritual assessment to evaluate the individual’s spiritual history, interests, and needs. Additionally, intervening through spiritual counseling, emotional support, and referral to appropriate resources can also help meet the individual’s spiritual/emotional needs.
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