End-of-life Care and Palliative Care > Fundamentals
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Cultural Competence in End-of-Life Care
Total Questions : 4
Showing 4 questions, Sign in for moreA nurse is caring for a client who is terminally ill and has expressed a wish to die at home. The client's family members are reluctant to honor this wish, as they are concerned about the quality of care and the emotional burden. What is the best action for the nurse to take in this situation?
Explanation
Rationale: The nurse should explore the cultural and religious beliefs of the client and the family members regarding end-of-life care, as these may influence their preferences and expectations. The nurse should also respect the client's autonomy and dignity, but also acknowledge the family's role and involvement in decision-making. The nurse should facilitate open communication and provide information and support to both the client and the family, while avoiding imposing their own values or judgments.
Incorrect options:
A) Respect the client's autonomy and arrange for hospice care at home. - This option may be appropriate if the client's wish is consistent with their cultural and religious beliefs, and if the family members are supportive or agreeable. However, this option does not address the potential conflict or misunderstanding between the client and the family, nor does it consider their emotional needs.
B) Educate the family members about the benefits of palliative care in a hospital setting. - This option may be informative, but it may also be perceived as dismissive or insensitive to the client's wish or to the family's concerns. The nurse should not assume that palliative care in a hospital setting is superior or preferable to home care, as this may depend on various factors, including cultural and religious beliefs.
C) Encourage the family members to discuss their feelings and concerns with the client. - This option may be helpful, but it may also be premature or inappropriate if the nurse has not explored the cultural and religious beliefs of the client and the family first. The nurse should not assume that direct communication is always desirable or acceptable, as some cultures may value indirect or nonverbal communication, or may defer to elders or authorities in decision-making.
A nurse is conducting a cultural assessment of a client who has recently immigrated from India. The client reports that they practice Hinduism and follow a vegetarian diet. Which question should the nurse ask next to obtain more information about the client's dietary preferences?
Explanation
Rationale: The nurse should ask if the client eats eggs or dairy products, as this can help to determine what type of vegetarian diet they follow. Some vegetarians may consume eggs or dairy products (lacto-ovo vegetarians), while others may avoid them (vegan vegetarians). The nurse should also be aware that some Hindus may consider eggs as non-vegetarian, while others may not.
Incorrect options:
B) "Do you have any food allergies or intolerances?" - This question is relevant, but it is not specific to the client's cultural background or religious beliefs. The nurse should ask this question after obtaining more information about the client's dietary preferences based on their culture and religion.
C) "Do you fast on certain days or occasions?" - This question is pertinent, but it is not directly related to the client's vegetarian diet. The nurse should ask this question after establishing what type of vegetarian diet the client follows, as fasting may affect their nutritional intake and needs.
D) "Do you use any herbs or spices in your cooking?" - This question is interesting, but it is not essential to understand the client's dietary preferences. The nurse should ask this question after exploring what foods the client eats or avoids based on their culture and religion.
A nurse is providing end-of-life care to a client who identifies as Jewish. The client's spouse asks the nurse to remove all medical equipment from the room before the client dies, as they believe that this will allow the soul to depart peacefully. How should the nurse respond to this request?
Explanation
Rationale: The nurse should acknowledge and accommodate the spouse's request, as it is based on the client's cultural and religious beliefs. The nurse should also recognize that the spouse is acting as the client's advocate and surrogate decision-maker, as some Jewish traditions may assign this role to the closest family member. The nurse should collaborate with the interdisciplinary team and follow the ethical principles of beneficence, nonmaleficence, autonomy, and justice.
Incorrect options:
A) "I'm sorry, but I cannot do that. It is against hospital policy to remove medical equipment without a doctor's order." - This response is insensitive and dismissive of the spouse's request and the client's beliefs. The nurse should not use hospital policy as an excuse to deny or delay culturally competent care.
B) "I understand your request, but I need to check with the client first. It is their right to decide what kind of care they want to receive." - This response is respectful of the client's autonomy, but it may not be appropriate or feasible in this situation. The client may not be able to communicate their wishes or preferences, or they may have delegated this responsibility to their spouse. The nurse should not assume that the spouse's request is contrary to the client's wishes or best interests.
C) "I respect your request, but I need to explain the risks and benefits of removing the medical equipment. It may affect the client's comfort and safety." - This response is informative and
concerned for the client's well-being, but it may not be necessary or helpful in this situation. The spouse may already be aware of the risks and benefits of removing the medical equipment, or they may value their religious beliefs over their medical outcomes. The nurse should not try to persuade or dissuade the spouse from their request.
A nurse is working with a client who has a terminal illness and has chosen not to pursue any aggressive treatments. The client's culture values collectivism and harmony, and the client has expressed a desire to avoid any conflicts or disagreements with their family members. The nurse notices that some of the family members are unhappy or unsupportive of the client's decision. What is an appropriate nursing intervention for this situation?
Explanation
Rationale: The nurse should arrange a family meeting with the client and the health care team to discuss the goals of care and address any concerns or questions, as this can help to facilitate communication, understanding, and consensus among all parties involved. The nurse should also acknowledge and respect the client's culture, which values collectivism and harmony, and avoid creating or exacerbating any conflicts or disagreements within the family.
Incorrect options:
B) Provide individual counseling sessions for the family members who are unhappy or unsupportive of the client's decision and offer emotional support. - This intervention may be beneficial, but it may not be sufficient or effective in resolving the issue. The nurse should also consider the client's culture, which values collectivism and harmony, and involve all family members in the care planning or decision-making process.
C) Suggest alternative treatments or therapies for the client that may be more acceptable or appealing to the family members who are unhappy or unsupportive. - This intervention may be inappropriate or unethical, as it may undermine or disregard the client's decision and autonomy. The nurse should not try to influence or coerce the client or the family members into accepting any treatments or therapies that are not consistent with their goals, values, or beliefs.
D) Respect the client's decision and avoid involving the family members who are unhappy or unsupportive in the care planning or decision-making process. - This intervention may be respectful of the client's decision
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