Religious and spiritual beliefs can have a major impact on health and illness. Each religion has its own rituals and traditions that must be observed, with the belief that if these are not followed, the outcomes may negatively affect the client's well-being or their family.

1. DEFINITION OF TERMS
1. Religion—an organized belief system in God or supernatural, using prayer, meditation, or symbols
2. Spirituality—encompasses more than religious beliefs; includes values, meaning, and purpose in life; can provide inspiration and sustain a person or group during crisis
3. Values clarification—aligns values and beliefs so that they are consistent with goals
2. ASSESSMENT OF RELIGIOUS AND SPIRITUAL BELIEFS
1. Beliefs about birth and what follows death
2. Code of ethics about right and wrong
3. View of health, causes of illness, or what may be the cure for the problem
4. Dietary laws
5. Relationship of mind, body, and spirit
6. Importance of work and money as they relate to religion
7. Pain: purpose of, response to, treatment for
8. Importance of family
9. Meaning of life, individual sources of hope and strength
10. Religious practices that conflict with health practices and use of health services
3. ANALYSIS/NURSING DIAGNOSIS
1. Risk for spiritual distress related to prolonged pain; health-care choices that are in conflict with religious practices; anxiety and guilt due to violating religious beliefs; lashing out against the religion
4. NURSING CARE PLAN/IMPLEMENTATION
1. Acknowledge client's beliefs
1. Provide contact with clergy of choice.
2. Provide opportunity to carry out practices not detrimental to client's health.
2. Do not impose beliefs and values of health-care system
5. EVALUATION/OUTCOME CRITERIA
1. Increased satisfaction related to medical care decision
2. Decrease in feelings of stress, guilt, depression, anger