What it means
A nursing diagnosis used when illness, loss or nearness to death disturbs what gives a person's life meaning. The person may ask "Why me?", feel abandoned by or angry with God, lose hope, feel guilt, or be unable to take part in their usual religious or cultural practices.
For the nurse
Listen without judging, ask about the client's beliefs and what helps them, make room for prayer, rituals or sacred objects, and offer a visit from the chaplain or the client's own faith leader.
Related terms
palliative care
Care that relieves pain, other symptoms and stress for people with serious illness, at any stage and alongside other treatment.
end-of-life care
The care given to a person and their family in the last days, weeks or months of life.
grief
The deep emotional, physical and spiritual response to a loss, especially the death of someone close.