Your patient,who is a devout Roman Catholic,is hospitalized for treatment of her chronic heart condition.You notice that the patient is wearing a crucifix and has rosary beads in her hand and religious literature in her room.You respond by

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Just as you observe the patient for evidence of health and disease,observe the patient for clues to her religious and spiritual beliefs.Beyond the obvious Bible and religious jewelry,look for special clothing (Mormons,Jews,Sihks),religious objects draped or tied around the body (Catholics,Jews),uncut hair (Orthodox Jews,Sikhs),prayer beads (Buddhists,Catholics)and even knives (Sikhs).Ask about an object you are unfamiliar with.It may be fashion or it may be sacred.In any case,your observations and questions may open the door to the spiritual assessment.Therefore,option "d" is the best response.Option "a" is incorrect because it is stereotyping the patient and jumping to conclusions.Do not assume that the crucifix,rosary beads,and religious literature mean the patient is a devout believer.Option "b" is not the best response.Once you have determined if these objects have religious meaning to the patient,then it is useful to document your observations in her medical record.Option "c" is incorrect,again,because you do not yet know the significance of the items in the patient's room,that is,fashion or sacred.If the items do not have religious or spiritual significance,offering to call her priest might be offensive and insulting to her.

Your Patient,who Is a Devout Roman Catholic,is Hospitalized for Treatment