• NCLEX Pretest
  • Time Used 0:00:00

The nurse caring for a dying patient of the Buddhist faith approaches the charge nurse in distress to state, “My patient is going to die at any time and the family is nowhere near him. I’m not sure what to do to ensure he is not alone as he passes.” Which response by the charge nurse is most appropriate?

Incorrect

  • “I would only intervene if the patient appears distressed about being alone.”
  • “Individuals of the Buddhist faith meditate to prepare for the transition of death.”
  • “Pull the patient’s wife aside to ensure she knows the patient’s death is imminent.”
  • “If you are concerned, you can gently ask the patient if he would like you to sit with him.”

Rationale

Individuals of the Buddhist faith mediate to prepare for the transition of death; generally, family members allow them to concentrate on this process. The nurse should support this process and not disturb the patient or family. It may be appropriate to intervene if the patient is distressed, but it is important for the nurse to understand the culture. Reminding the spouse of the patient’s imminent death is not appropriate. Asking the patient to sit with him disturbs the patient’s meditation.

  • Category: Psychosocial Integrity
  • Difficulty: 10
  • Tags: Communication & Documentation Culture End of Life Issues Health Care Ethics, Law, and Policy

Question 7 of 30

0