The nurse is speaking with a 40-year-old woman at a fund-raiser. The woman states, "I have never had a mammogram. I am a Buddhist and I believe if I get cancer, then that is what my fate will be
" What is the most appropriate response by the nurse?
a. "You are 40 years old and really should start thinking about having a mammogram."
b. "Breast cancer can be cured if caught and treated early enough. You are not giving yourself an opportunity think about your own health."
c. "I don't know of any religion that just allows people to die. You may need to rethink this."
d. "This is certainly your choice; however, there is research that shows screening is helpful and effective."
D
The focus of this item is to demonstrate that certain religions, spirituality, and ways of thinking can and do have an effect on patients' willingness to seek out healthcare, most specifically, preventive screening. Researchers have investigated the effect of religious beliefs on health disparities. Fatalism, which is rooted in Buddhism, views fatal diseases as destined by nature and acceptance as a sign of wisdom and maturity. This group is known to have a highly pessimistic perception that preventive screening would lower their risk of getting cancer. The patient in this item is less likely to obtain a mammogram as a screening tool. The most appropriate response by the nurse is to first acknowledge and accept the patient's belief in her religion or way of life; however, the nurse should also provide a nonthreatening and educated response by giving the facts in support of what research has demonstrated and what prevention can do. Nurses cannot tell patients what they should and should not do, nor should they be critical of a person's religion.
You might also like to view...
The nurse is evaluating the patient's understanding of how to decrease the risk of developing heart disease. Which would be the correct response made by the patient to the nurse?
a. "I will take a daily dose of folic acid and vitamins B6 and B12." b. "I will take folic acid every other day." c. "I will take calcium supplements daily with meals." d. "There are currently no vitamins or minerals available to decrease my risk of developing heart disease."
Consumer need and demand for home health care have increased dramatically in recent years because of (Select all that apply)
a. the advent of Medicare reimbursement for home care. b. the closing of acute care hospital beds. c. escalating health care costs. d. increased consumer demand. e. lack of services available in the hospital.
A tornado has touched down 1 mile from the hospital and a tornado warning has been issued with sirens. The nursing staff caring for the 36 patients on the second floor medical-surgical unit should move the patients to:
a. the evacuation center across the street. b. the hall, closing room doors and windows. c. their rooms, padding the windows with bed linens. d. the basement in wheelchairs using the elevators.
A pregnant woman at 12 weeks' gestation calls you because she has begun minimal fresh vaginal spotting. She is distressed because her physician says she is not going to do anything for her but "wait and see
" Which of the following would you suggest? A) Advise her to ask for a second physician opinion. B) Tell her that medication to prolong a 12-week pregnancy usually is not advised. C) Explain that her doctor meant for her to maintain strict bed rest by "wait and see." D) Suggest she take an over-the-counter tocolytic just to feel secure.