The emergency department nurse contacts the admissions office to request a bed for a bed-bound client who is a practicing Muslim. In acting as an advocate for the client, what request should the nurse make of the admission clerk?

Question

1. Please try to find a private room.
2. A bed that faces east will be best.
3. Have the bed stripped, as the client will provide special sheets.
4. If the only available room is semi-private, the other client should be Muslim.

Answer 1

Correct Answer: 2
Rationale 1: There is no restriction that the room must be private.
Rationale 2: Because this bed-bound client is a practicing Muslim and this religion has a sacred practice of five daily prayers performed while facing east, the logical bed assignment for this client is one that faces east.
Rationale 3: There is no indication that the client will have hospital linens replaced by special sheets.
Rationale 4: There is no restriction that the other client in a semi-private room must be Muslim.