The nurse is admitting a client of the Muslim faith during the holy month of Ramadan. The client tells the nurse that he must fast during this time. Which of the following would be an appropriate response by the nurse?

Question

1. "What can we do to accommodate your needs during your stay here?"
2. "I will let your doctor know so he can discharge you."
3. "Fasting is harmful to your body."
4. "You must have food during times of illness."

Answer 1

1
Rationale 1: Some people will report adhering to a particular faith but will not strictly adhere to certain practices. Further assessment is needed to determine this client's beliefs, desire to adhere to the practice, and extent to which the practice may be altered considering the illness and hospitalization. Making certain assumptions without further assessment would result in actions not respectful of or beneficial to the client.
Rationale 2: Making assumptions such as the healthcare provider discharging this client without further assessment would result in actions not respectful of or beneficial to the client.
Rationale 3: Making assumptions such as fasting being bad for the body without further assessment would result in actions not respectful of or beneficial to the client.
Rationale 4: Making assumptions such as the client being unable to fast during illness without further assessment would result in actions not respectful of or beneficial to the client.