Cultural and Spiritual Considerations in Nursing Flashcards

A Jehovah's Witness patient with a hemoglobin of 7.2 g/dL refuses a blood transfusion. Which therapy would the nurse expect to be most acceptable to this patient?

Answer: Nonblood volume expanders such as normal saline

Jehovah's Witnesses generally refuse whole blood and its primary components but usually accept nonblood volume expanders and other alternatives.

An Orthodox Jewish patient who keeps kosher receives a tray with a beef entrée. Which item on the tray should the nurse replace?

Answer: A glass of milk

Kosher dietary law prohibits eating meat and dairy at the same meal.

A Muslim patient with type 2 diabetes wants to fast during Ramadan. What is the nurse's best action?

Answer: Collaborate with the provider to adjust medication timing around pre-dawn and post-sunset meals

Respecting the choice to fast while adjusting medication timing with the provider supports safety and cultural values, though ill people may be exempt and should be informed.

A Seventh-day Adventist patient asks for a beverage. Which choice is most consistent with common Adventist health practices?

Answer: Herbal tea

Many Seventh-day Adventists avoid caffeine and alcohol, so caffeine-free herbal tea is appropriate.

A Hindu patient is admitted for pneumonia. Which dietary consideration should the nurse anticipate?

Answer: The patient will likely avoid beef and may follow a vegetarian diet

Cows are considered sacred in Hinduism, and many Hindus are vegetarian.

A patient who is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is wearing a sacred undergarment before surgery. What should the nurse do?

Answer: Discuss removal with the patient and handle the garment respectfully

Temple garments are sacred and should be removed only with the patient's consent and handled with respect.

A critically ill Roman Catholic patient asks for the Anointing of the Sick. Which action by the nurse is most appropriate?

Answer: Contact a Catholic priest or the hospital chaplain

The Anointing of the Sick is performed by a priest and may be given to seriously ill, not only dying, patients.