The nurse has been working with a client and family of the Buddhist faith. The client, who was extremely ill, died a few minutes ago. What does the nurse recognize is true about clients from this cultural background?

Question

a. They will refuse an autopsy.
b. They refuse nourishment and medication prior to dying.
c. They will select burial rather than cremation.
d. They view death as a step toward rebirth.

Answer 1

D
Societies that believe in the concept of reincarnation, such as devout Hindus and Buddhists, may view death as a step toward rebirth. Care of the dying is focused on supporting the client's prep-aration for a good death.
Devout Muslims may refuse an autopsy or organ donation, for fear of desecrating the dead be-cause of their belief that one has to be whole to appear in front of the Creator.
A dying Hindu male may prepare for death by refusing nourishment and medications, concen-trating all his energies on the spiritual aspects of the journey for the next life cycle.
Muslims prefer burial rather than cremation.