A Native American client is hospitalized for depression and attempted suicide. Family members have requested that they be allowed to bring in a medicine healer to perform a ritual on the client. Which of the following is the bestaction by the nurse?

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The medicine healer, or shaman, is an important component of Native American culture and is often consulted by both clients and HCPs when a client is ill or hospitalized. The medicine healer uses a variety of practices, including herbs, plants and roots, singing, and healing ceremonies. The medicine healer needs to be included in this client's treatment. Making arrangements for the healing ritual gives credibility and respect to the client's cultural beliefs and ensures that the client's spiritual needs will be met. In providing culturally sensitive care, the nurse needs to recognize and be tolerant of various practices associated with beliefs that are different from those of traditional Western medicine. Denying the medicine healer the opportunity to perform a ritual could interfere with the client's response to therapy. (Option A) Although it may be true that the client's depression is being treated with antidepressants, the medications do not meet the client's spiritual needs. (Option B) This response demeans the client's beliefs and does not acknowledge the importance of the medicine healer to the client's health. (Option D) Allowances and accommodations should be made by health care facilities to ensure that clients' spiritual needs are met. Educational objective: Medicine healers, or shamans, are an important component of Native American and other cultural groups. Allowing medicine healers to perform rituals and ceremonies will ensure that clients' spiritual needs are met and may contribute to the healing process. The nurse needs to recognize and be tolerant of health practices and beliefs that are different from those of traditional Western medicine.

A Native American Client Is Hospitalized for Depression and Attempted