A hospital client's health status has declined sharply, and a referral to palliative care has been made. A nurse has suggested a referral to spiritual care, but a colleague states, 'That is not likely necessary because the client's health record states 'no religion.'' How should the nurse best respond to the colleague's statement?

• A. The absence of an identified religion does not mean that a client does not have spiritual needs.
• B. Religious beliefs are irrelevant to spiritual care and can be ignored.
• C. If no religion is identified, spiritual care is unnecessary.
• D. Spiritual concerns should be discussed only with a chaplain.

Answer: (A)

Spiritual care focuses on meaning, purpose, coping, values, and connection, not just on formal religious affiliation. Even when a chart states no religion, a patient can still experience spiritual needs or distress—questions about suffering, end-of-life decisions, legacy, hope, and connection with others. In this situation, the nurse’s best response is to acknowledge that the absence of an identified religion does not equate to the absence of spiritual concerns and to offer to explore those needs with the patient. This respects the patient’s humanity and invites supportive conversations or referrals as appropriate, without assuming care is unnecessary or limited to discussions with a chaplain.