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Difficulty: MediumReligious and Spiritual Influences on Health

A practical nurse is caring for an Orthodox Jewish client who is observing the Sabbath (Shabbat) and requires assistance with activities of daily living. Knowing that the client's religious practices prohibit the use of electrical devices during this time, which action should the nurse take?

  1. Perform frequent, scheduled rounding to anticipate the client's needs without requiring the use of the electronic call light.Answer
  2. B
    Unwrap and transfer the client's sealed kosher meals onto standard hospital dishware to improve presentation.
  3. C
    Tell the client, 'I understand it is your Sabbath, but why can't you just press the button if you need to use the restroom?'
  4. D
    Explain the clinical risks of refusing the call bell and independently obtain the client's signature on a waiver of liability form.

Answer

The nurse should perform frequent, scheduled rounding to anticipate the client's needs without requiring the use of the electronic call light.
During the Sabbath (Shabbat), which lasts from sunset on Friday to sunset on Saturday, Orthodox Jewish clients strictly refrain from activities considered 'work', which includes operating electrical devices like televisions, motorized beds, and electronic call lights. Because the client cannot summon help using the standard call bell system for routine needs, the most appropriate and culturally competent nursing action is to perform frequent, scheduled rounding. This proactive approach ensures the client's safety, hygiene, and comfort needs are met without forcing them to compromise their spiritual beliefs.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the cultural and religious restrictions of the client during the Sabbath (Shabbat).
The nurse recognizes that Orthodox Jewish clients abstain from using electrical devices, including call lights, from sunset Friday to sunset Saturday.
Understanding specific religious prohibitions is necessary to plan culturally competent care.
2
Determine how the restriction impacts the client's safety and ability to communicate needs.
The client cannot use the standard electronic call bell to request help for activities of daily living.
Safety is a primary nursing priority, and alternative communication or monitoring methods must be established.
3
Implement an appropriate nursing intervention that accommodates the belief while maintaining safety.
The nurse initiates frequent, proactive rounding to check on the client.
Frequent rounding ensures the client's needs are met promptly without forcing them to violate their religious principles by operating a device.

Key Concept

Culturally Competent Care: Sabbath Observance
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Topics

Religious and Spiritual Influences on Health

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