Cultural and Spiritual Considerations in Nursing Flashcards

An Orthodox Jewish patient has just died. Which family request should the nurse recognize as consistent with their tradition?

Answer: Having someone stay with the body until burial

In Orthodox Judaism the body is traditionally not left alone, burial occurs quickly, and autopsy and cremation are generally discouraged.

After the death of a Muslim patient, which nursing action is most culturally appropriate?

Answer: Allow family members of the same gender to wash the body if they wish

In Islam, ritual washing is traditionally done by family or community members of the same gender as the deceased.

A dying Buddhist patient declines an increase in sedating pain medication. What is the most likely reason?

Answer: The patient may wish to keep a clear, calm mind at death

Many Buddhists value a clear, peaceful state of mind at the time of death, so they may limit sedating medications.

The family of a Hispanic patient with terminal cancer asks the nurse not to tell the patient the diagnosis. What is the nurse's best response?

Answer: Find out from the patient how much information they want and who they want involved in decisions

Asking the patient about their information and decision-making preferences respects both autonomy and family-centered cultural values.

A Sikh patient needs a peripheral IV in an area covered by body hair. What should the nurse do before shaving?

Answer: Ask for the patient's consent, because uncut hair (kesh) is a religious article of faith

Kesh (uncut hair) is one of the five Ks of Sikhism, so hair should not be cut or shaved without consent.

A nurse is planning an advance directive discussion with a traditional Navajo patient. Which approach is most culturally sensitive?

Answer: Use third-person or hypothetical wording when discussing negative outcomes

Some traditional Navajo people believe that speaking about negative events can cause them, so hypothetical or third-person framing is preferred.

A patient with a new cancer diagnosis says, "God must be punishing me." Which response by the nurse is most therapeutic?

Answer: "Tell me more about what you are feeling."

An open-ended invitation to explore feelings helps the nurse assess spiritual distress and offer resources such as a chaplain.