Spirituality and end-of-life care for an adolescent with AIDS.

AIDS is a life-threatening illness and, as is the case with all life-threatening illnesses, the spiritual beliefs of patients may influence their well being at the end of life. Patients' spiritual beliefs can offer comfort or be a source of distress. Health care professionals face ethical dilemmas, as they work with patients whose religious or spiritual idioms are incongruent with their own beliefs and traditions. The discussion in this case focuses on increasing health care professionals' sensitivity to the diverse spiritual needs of their patients. Guidelines are provided for assessment and interventions, as appropriate.