What should a nurse do first for a client with a terminal illness who is detached and non-participative in care?

In the context of providing care to a client with a terminal illness who is demonstrating detachment and non-participation, reviewing the client's medical record for documented religious preferences is a crucial initial step. This action helps the nurse gain insight into the client's values, beliefs, and possible spiritual needs, which can significantly impact their overall well-being and care preferences. Understanding these aspects may reveal whether spiritual support or specific practices are important to the client, thus allowing the nurse to tailor interventions that align with the client's wishes.

By focusing on the client's documented religious preferences first, the nurse can cultivate a foundation of care that respects the individual's identity and may create a pathway for deeper engagement, either through spiritual guidance or alignment with personal values. This step can also guide further interactions, making subsequent encouragement of participation in care more relevant and respectful of the client’s preferences.