A nurse is preparing a presentation about spirituality and ...

[jparksx]

A nurse is preparing a presentation about spirituality and religion. To adequately prepare for peer questions, the nurse should know that the three major religious groups in the United States are the
 
  a. Lutherans, Catholics, and Presbyterians.
  b. Baptists, Assembly of God, and Lutherans.
  c. Roman Catholics, Protestants, and Jews.
  d. Protestants, Unitarians, and Catholics.

Question 2

Mrs. X is a patient from South Korea. She has never experienced Western medical care. She is hospitalized with hepatitis C.
 
  Which measures will lead to successful negotiation of a treatment plan with this culturally diverse patient? (Select all that apply.)
 
  a. Encourage the patient to explain her views about the cause of illness.
  b. Explain the biomedical point of view of the health problem.
  c. Support beliefs and practices the patient sees as helpful and that do no harm.
  d. Realize that it is impossible to prevent a patient's use of harmful health practices.

[nmyers]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: C
Roman Catholics number more than 67 million members. All Protestant denominations combined have 66 million members. Jews are estimated at 5.6 million members. The other options do not reflect current data.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A, B, C
Encouraging the patient to explain her views about the cause of illness is necessary to understand her health beliefs. Explaining the biomedical point of view of the health problem allows the patient to compare her belief system with the biomedical explanation and to find common ground. It also helps the patient understand the rationale for treatment. This is part of the process of negotiating treatment plans with the patient. Many alternative healing practices are known to be beneficial (acupuncture), and others may do no harm if used (diet based on hot and cold principles). The nurse is participating in preserving helpful beliefs and practices. The nurse can participate in repatterning by counseling against harmful practices and supporting alternatives offered in the care plan.