The family of a terminally ill patient tells the nurse that members of the patient's church are coming to the hospital to lay hands on him and invites the nurse to participate. The nurse does not believe in this intervention and does not want to participate. Which of the following should the nurse do?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Since the patient is a follower of a religion unfamiliar to the nurse, the nurse does not believe in the intervention and does not want to participate. She should decline to participate but offer to find another healthcare professional that is more comfortable. The nurse should not impose her own beliefs onto the patient or family by telling them that the intervention is inappropriate or that this type of intervention provides false hope and encourages denial. The nurse should not contact a member of the clergy without the patient's permission.

The Family of a Terminally Ill Patient Tells the Nurse