Question

what are some ways that the nurse could provide for the psychosocial and spiritual comfort of the client? provide an evidence based rationale for your response.

Answer 1

Many patients with acute and chronic illness require psychosocial and spiritual care. Most the patients find it difficult to cope and manage their physiological symptoms and develops feeling of anxiety, depression, loneliness, grief and sadness. Patients with psychosocial distress develop many physical symptoms such as headache, fatigue, nausea, joint and muscle pain.
As the nurse works in very close proximation with the patient and his family, it is very important for nurse to identify and manage patient's psychosocial and spiritual needs.
The most important way to provide psychosocial and spiritual comfort to patient is by maintaining a positive and supportive behaviour towards patient's beliefs and spirituality.
The nurse should maintain a healthy, free flowing and two way communication with the patient. Always listen attentively  to what patient says. This will gain patient trust and confidence and patient will comfortably share his thoughts, beliefs and insecurities with the nurse.
Many patient's with illness develops spiritual connectedness. The nurse should encourage patient to have faith in God as this helps patient provide psychological strength and hope.
The nurse should maintain a comfortable and positive environment where the patient can practice his spirituality.
Always ask the patient how can you help him with his spiritual and psychosocial needs.
Sometimes you may offer the patient to pray with them if they are comfortable.