Certified Rehabilitation Registered Nurse (CRRN) Practice Exam

Why is it important to ask a patient about religious practices during assessment?

1. Is required by Medicare on the admission assessment

2. Allows clarification of beliefs for appropriate support

3. Is an unethical question and not your business

4. Demonstrates support of the patient’s belief system

The correct answer is: Allows clarification of beliefs for appropriate support

Asking a patient about their religious practices during an assessment is crucial as it allows for clarification of their beliefs, which can significantly influence their care and treatment decisions. Understanding a patient's religious background enables healthcare professionals to provide personalized support that aligns with the patient’s values and beliefs. This approach fosters a respectful and empathetic patient-provider relationship, leading to improved patient satisfaction and adherence to treatment plans. When healthcare providers are aware of specific religious practices or restrictions, they can tailor medical interventions, dietary considerations, and emotional support accordingly. This not only enhances the patient's comfort and trust but can also impact their overall health outcomes. Addressing spiritual and religious needs can make a substantial difference, especially in critical situations or end-of-life care, where patients may prioritize spiritual peace alongside physical health. In contrast, the other aspects such as regulatory requirements or ethical considerations do play a role, but they do not capture the essence of why eliciting this information is fundamentally important from a patient care perspective.