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Difficulty: MediumReligious and Spiritual Influences on Health

A practical nurse (PN) is caring for a client who is a devout Roman Catholic. It is a Friday during the season of Lent, and the PN is delivering the client's lunch tray, which contains a pork chop, mashed potatoes, and green beans. The client looks at the tray and appears distressed. Which action is the most appropriate for the PN to take?

  1. Ask the client if they prefer a meatless meal and contact dietary services to request a replacement tray.Answer
  2. B
    Inform the client that hospitalized individuals are exempt from religious dietary rules and encourage them to eat.
  3. C
    Ask the client, 'Why are you upset when you can just eat the vegetables and leave the meat on the plate?'
  4. D
    Remove the pork chop from the tray at the bedside and instruct the client to eat the remaining items.

Answer

Ask the client if they prefer a meatless meal and contact dietary services to request a replacement tray.
Many Roman Catholics abstain from eating meat on Fridays during the season of Lent. By acknowledging the client's distress, clarifying their preference, and proactively contacting dietary services for a meatless alternative, the practical nurse demonstrates cultural competence and supports the client's psychosocial and spiritual well-being.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the client's reaction and the cultural context of the situation.
The client is distressed by the presence of meat on a Friday during Lent, a time when many Roman Catholics observe abstinence from meat.
Recognizing spiritual and religious influences is essential for providing culturally competent and holistic care.
2
Determine the appropriate, therapeutic nursing intervention.
The PN validates the client's concern, verifies their dietary preference, and coordinates with dietary services for a proper replacement meal.
This action supports the client's psychosocial integrity, ensures nutritional needs are safely met without cross-contamination, and demonstrates respect for their spiritual practices.

Key Concept

Accommodating religious and spiritual dietary practices in the healthcare setting
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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Topics

Religious and Spiritual Influences on Health

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