Neglecting a patient's spiritual needs in care is most likely to result in which outcome?

• A. Increased distress
• B. Improved adherence
• C. Higher satisfaction
• D. Longer hospital stay

Answer: (A)

When a patient’s spiritual beliefs, values, and needs are acknowledged and supported, they gain comfort, meaning, and hope that help them cope with illness. If those needs are neglected, distress tends to rise because the patient may feel isolated, abandoned, or without purpose. That increased distress is the most immediate and direct consequence of not addressing spirituality in care, shaping their emotional experience and overall well-being.

Options about better adherence or higher satisfaction don’t fit because neglecting spiritual needs would not improve these; in fact, it typically undermines them. A longer hospital stay could happen indirectly if distress worsens health or decision-making, but it’s not the most direct or likely outcome compared to the heightened emotional distress that comes from unmet spiritual needs.