The family of the dying Buddhist patient requests to burn incense in the patient’s hospital room for a religious ceremony. Which response by the nurse is most appropriate?

“While burning incense is not possible, I will ask the hospital chaplain to provide you with electric candles.”. While burning candles or incense are important to the Buddhist faith, it is unsafe in a hospital setting due to flammable oxygen sources. However, the nurse should provide an alternative that is safe for all individuals like electric candles. Although allowances can be made with some rules when the patient is close to death, burning incense in the hospital places all patients, visitors, and staff at risk and cannot be allowed. A water pitcher and specific placement of the incense is not appropriate.

The family of the dying Buddhist patient requests to burn incense...

Category: Psychosocial Integrity
Difficulty: 10

Topics: Communication & Documentation End of Life Issues Health Care Ethics, Law, and Policy

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