ACC Pastoral Care Documentation & Communication Flashcards
6 cards from real ACC practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 ACC Pastoral Care Documentation & Communication flashcards as text
Which of the following is an example of a measurable spiritual care goal appropriate for documentation?
Answer: Patient will verbalize reduced anxiety following two chaplain visits this week
Measurable goals include specific, observable outcomes tied to a defined timeframe or activity.
When a chaplain encounters a patient who is non-verbal, how should the pastoral visit be documented?
Answer: Document observations of the patient's non-verbal responses and the care provided
Non-verbal patients can still receive and respond to spiritual care, and chaplains should document observable responses and interventions.
A chaplain uses a spiritual screening tool in the electronic health record. What is the primary benefit of this practice?
Answer: It flags patients with spiritual needs for follow-up and integrates care across the team
Spiritual screening tools in the EHR help identify patients at risk for spiritual distress and facilitate timely chaplaincy referrals across the care team.
Which statement about chaplain-patient confidentiality in the US is most accurate?
Answer: Chaplain-patient privilege varies by state law and institutional policy
Clergy-penitent privilege laws vary significantly by state, and institutional chaplains should be familiar with both state law and their facility's specific policies.
A chaplain notes that a patient has expressed suicidal ideation during a pastoral visit. What is the required action?
Answer: Immediately notify the appropriate clinical staff per duty-to-warn protocols
Disclosure of suicidal ideation triggers a duty-to-warn obligation that overrides pastoral confidentiality and requires immediate clinical notification.
What does 'chaplaincy referral documentation' typically include?
Answer: The reason for referral, patient's religious preference if known, and urgency level
Referral documentation captures the clinical reason for the referral, any known religious preferences, and the urgency to enable the chaplain to prioritize and prepare for the visit.