The nurse is caring for a patient who is a devout Orthodox Jew.The patient is on a patient-controlled analgesia (PCA)pump.What accommodations might the nurse have to make to conform to the patient's cultural needs?
A)Ask the patient whether he will need alternative forms of medication for the Sabbath.
B)Ask the patient specific questions because Jews tend to be stoic regarding pain.
C)Medicate the patient "around the clock" instead of as needed ("prn").
D)Understand that Jews believe that suffering is a consequence of actions in a previous life.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Orthodox or Observant Jews may not use electrical equipment during the Sabbath and on Holy Days;therefore,the staff should program the patient-controlled analgesia (PCA)to achieve optimum pain relief.Alternative methods will be needed during these times.Cultures vary regarding when to recognize pain,what words to use in expressing pain,when to seek treatment,and what treatments are desirable.Russians,Asians,and Native Americans tend to be stoic,whereas Italians,Puerto Ricans,and Jews tend to be more expressive.The nurse should ask the patient about his preferences.Some Hindu patients believe that suffering is a consequence of actions in a previous life.For example,a belief in the concept of Karma motivates the patient to bear the pain,refuse pain medications,and suffer in silence.Some Jews view pain as a communal suffering that they should share with others to affirm their life experience.

The Nurse Is Caring for a Patient Who Is a Devout