When caring for patients, a nurse must understand the difference ...

[bclement10]

When caring for patients, a nurse must understand the difference between religion and spirituality. Religious care helps patients maintain their faithfulness to:
 
  a. their belief systems and worship practices.
  b. a relationship to a higher being or life force.
  c. a sense of connectedness.
  d. the awareness of one's inner self.

Question 2

When caring for a patient from another culture, what is the best strategy for the nurse to use in communicating with the patient?
 
  a. Using a cultural joke to break the ice
  b. Stereotyping the patient within his or her culture
  c. Considering the context of the patient's background
  d. Assuming the patient or the family member speaks English

[SAUXC]

Answer to Question 1

A
Religious care helps patients follow their belief systems and worship practices. Spirituality is an awareness of one's inner self and a sense of connection to a higher being, nature, or some purpose greater than oneself. Spirituality offers a sense of connectedness. Spirituality is unique for each person. It is a unifying theme in life and a state of being.

Answer to Question 2

C
When a patient is from another culture, the nurse should consider the context of the patient's background. Accept patients' rights to adhere to cultural customs and norms. Persons of different cultures use different types of verbal and nonverbal cues to convey meaning. A nurse should make a conscious effort not to interpret messages through his or her own cultural perspective; instead, a nurse considers the context of the other individual's background. Avoid stereotyping persons from other cultures or making jokes about them. With patients from another culture, the nurse cannot assume the patient or family members can speak English.