A nurse is caring for a refugee patient who wants the community shaman to perform a healing ritual at the bedside. What action by the nurse is best?
a. Work with the patient to allow the shaman to perform the ritual.
b. Investigate whether the ritual will harm the patient.
c. Check to see if the ritual breaks laws or policies.
d. Offer to call the hospital chaplain instead.
ANS: A
Rituals are deeply powerful and have great meaning for individuals who practice them. The nurse should work with the patient to facilitate the ritual. Investigating the ritual for patient harm or illegality is ethnocentric; the nurse's first thoughts should not be on the potential negative aspects of a deeply meaningful activity. The patient has not requested the chaplain; offering to call the chaplain shows ethnocentrism and lack of respect for the patient. While working to facilitate the ritual, the nurse will discover if any aspect of it might be problematic and can collaborate with the patient and shaman to resolve the situation (e.g., if lighted candles are needed but prohibited by policy and fire code).
You might also like to view...
The nurse uses the two-step palpatory blood pressure measurement to ensure accurate results. The steps are as follows: Place the steps in the appropriate order Standard Text: Click and drag the options below to move them up or down
1. The blood pressure cuff is inflated until the brachial or radial pulse is occluded 2. The nurse notes the reading, deflates the cuff 3. The nurse waits 30-60 seconds 4. Cuff is inflated 20-30 mmHg higher than number noted
A patient has an acute upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage secondary to esophageal varices. What is the underlying pathophysiology of this type of gastrointestinal hemorrhage?
A) Helicobacter pylori infection of esophagus, stomach, and duodenum B) Prolonged stress from multiple causes C) Portal hypertension from cirrhosis or other liver disease D) Overwhelming infection of jejunum and ileum
Neubauer's process of renewing oneself consists of which of the following?
A. Engaging in strenuous exercise B. Strategizing leadership skills C. Engaging in frequent self-assessments D. Creating to-do lists
The major hazard of a rubella infection affecting a young woman is:
A. meningitis. B. hepatitis. C. congenital malformations in the fetus if a susceptible pregnant woman acquires the infection in the first trimester. D. chronic rubella infection, leading to immune-deficiency state.