A patient is diagnosed with cancer. The physician has recommended chemotherapy, which would likely save the patient's life. The patient tells the nurse, "This is punishment from God for sins I have committed; some women at my church say so."
What will the best plan of the nurse include?
1. With the patient's permission, plan to involve a hospital minister to discuss the patient's perspective about cancer.
2. With the patient's permission, plan to bring the case before the hospital's board of ethics.
3. With the patient's permission, plan to contact the patient's minister to discuss the patient's perspective about cancer.
4. With the patient's permission, plan to meet with family members to discuss the patient's perspective about cancer.
Correct Answer: 3
Rationale: When patients have strong religious beliefs, these can affect the outcome of the illness. The nurse should involve the patient's religious leader when possible. Meeting with family might help; however, they may have the same perspective as the patient. Bringing the case before the hospital's board of ethics is premature at this point. Involving a hospital minister may be an option, but it is best to work through the patient's minister initially.
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