Author Question: The family of a dying client has informed the nurse that their religion requires that a ritual bath ... (Read 55 times)

renzo156 · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

The family of a dying client has informed the nurse that their religion requires that a ritual bath be given by members of the faith after death.

Because the hospital unit is very busy and there is an acute need for every bed, how should the nurse respond to this request?
1. Notify the mortuary of the family's request.
2. Arrange for supplies and privacy for the family.
3. Tell the family that the bath will have to take place after the body is removed from the hospital.
4. Allow the family to give the bath, but give a 1-hour deadline for completion.

Question 2

A client who is devoutly Jewish is hospitalized during Yom Kippur, a time when many of the Jewish faith fast. The client expresses a desire to follow this religious pattern. How should the nurse respond to this wish?

1. Support the client's desires to the extent possible.
2. Remind the client that most religions excuse persons who are ill from fasting.
3. Attempt to convince the client to ignore the tradition due to illness.
4. Tell the client that the physician must make this decision.

diana chang · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 23, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: 2
Rationale 1: There is no need to notify the mortuary.
Rationale 2: When a client is dying, much of the nursing care shifts from the client to support of the family. The nurse should allow this bath and should provide supplies and privacy for the family to complete the ritual.
Rationale 3: The nurse should not tell the family that they will have to delay the bath until the body is removed.
Rationale 4: The nurse should not put a deadline on the bath.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 1
Rationale 1: The nurse should support the client's desires to the extent possible.
Rationale 2: Because this client is a devout follower of Jewish tradition, it is not up to the nurse to instruct the client regarding Jewish law.
Rationale 3: The nurse should not attempt to convince the client to ignore the tradition.
Rationale 4: The physician also cannot ethically make this decision for the client.