What is the most appropriate nursing intervention to assess spiritual distress in an older adult?

A. Ask, "Do you have trouble sleeping?": Difficulty sleeping may be related to anxiety, pain, or medical issues, but it does not directly assess spiritual distress. While poor sleep can be a symptom of emotional or existential concerns, this is too general to identify the source as spiritual in nature. B. Ask, "Would you like to speak with a chaplain?": Offering to involve a chaplain may be appropriate once spiritual distress has been identified, but it is not an assessment question. This assumes distress is already present without exploring the patient’s personal beliefs or sources of meaning. C. Ask, "Do you attend religious services?": Attendance at religious services reflects religious practice rather than spirituality itself. Many older adults may find spiritual fulfillment outside of organized religion, so this question may not reveal deeper concerns related to purpose or inner peace. D. Ask, "What gives your life meaning now?": This question explores the client’s sense of purpose, hope, and connection, core elements of spirituality. It invites reflection on personal values, relationships, and beliefs, helping the nurse identify signs of spiritual distress or loss of meaning in life.