A Terminally Ill Patient from a Different Culture Tells the Nurse

question 10

Multiple Choice

A terminally ill patient from a different culture tells the nurse that she cannot decide what to do until her brother arrives since he is the major decision maker for the family. Which of the following should the nurse do first?

• A) Request that another nurse care for the patient
• B) Wait until the brother arrives and, with the patient, discuss the decisions made regarding her care
• C) Contact the hospital's attorney to be present when the brother arrives
• D) Tell the patient that in the United States she makes the decisions, regardless of her culture of origin

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Definitions:

CMS

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, a federal agency within the United States Department of Health and Human Services that administers the nation’s major healthcare programs.

Patient Care

The services rendered by members of the health professions for the benefit of a patient.

Unsafe Condition

A situation or environment that poses a risk of injury or harm to individuals.

Documentation

Refers to both the act of preparing and the evidence created when a health care professional records information regarding a patient during the course of assessment and treatment; can be handwritten or electronically.