Author Question: Which special consideration may the nurse need to make when caring for a female Rastafarian patient? ... (Read 32 times)

iveyjurea · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

Which special consideration may the nurse need to make when caring for a female Rastafarian patient?

a. Allow the patient to wear her own clothing.
b. Provide a diet that is caffeine free.
c. Allow the patient to wear jewelry with religious symbols.
d. Provide free-flowing water for bathing.

Question 2

A patient of Orthodox Jewish faith is admitted to the hospital with heart failure on Yom Kippur. The physician prescribes digoxin 0.25 mg to be given orally for this patient.

Based on the patient's religious affiliation, which of the following actions should the nurse take?
a. Administer the medication as prescribed.
b. Hold the medication until after Yom Kippur.
c. Explain the importance of taking the medication despite the holiday.
d. Ask the physician to change the route of administration.

shaikhs · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 23, 2018

Answer to Question 1

A
Wearing second-hand clothes is taboo in the Rastafarian faith; therefore, the nurse should allow the patient to wear her own bedclothes instead of a hospital gown. Rastafarians typically consume tea; however, some do not drink milk or coffee. Muslim women may wear a locket containing religious writing around the neck in a small leather bag. These are worn for protection and strength and should not be removed. Hindus prefer washing with free-flowing water for bathing, which should be provided when possible.

Answer to Question 2

D
Yom Kippur is one of the holiest of the Jewish holidays. Self-denial includes abstaining from eating, drinking, bathing, and other rituals. Digoxin is not a non-kosher medication, so the most spiritually appropriate nursing intervention is to ask the provider to change the route of administration. The patient is in heart failure and needs the medication; thus, withholding the medication is not an option. Although the patient may understand the importance of the medication, it is not appropriate to create internal conflict between adhering to religious practices and complying with the medical regimen, when changing the route would address both concerns.