During an admission assessment, which response from the nurse is best when a client says, "I am the second son of God and need to say a prayer"?

The best response in this scenario is for the nurse to wait until the client finishes the prayer and then proceed with the assessment. This approach demonstrates respect for the client’s beliefs and needs, acknowledging their spiritual expression without dismissing it as irrelevant or inappropriate.

By allowing the client to complete their prayer, the nurse validates their experience and fosters a sense of trust and rapport. This is important in mental health nursing, especially when working with individuals who may be experiencing delusions or heightened spiritual beliefs as part of their psychosis. Once the client feels heard and their immediate need for spiritual expression is addressed, the nurse can then gently guide the conversation back to the assessment, ensuring that the client feels understood and supported.

The other responses, while they may seem practical, do not provide the same level of respect for the client's immediate concern. Encouraging the client to focus on the admission may inadvertently invalidate their spiritual need. Suggesting a prayer session at a later time could be perceived as dismissive, especially if the client feels a pressing need to pray. Redirecting the client to discuss their symptoms may also overlook the importance of addressing their current emotional and spiritual state, which can be a critical aspect of their mental health at that moment.