A patient who is Orthodox Jewish is terminally ill. The family and rab

QUESTION

A patient who is Orthodox Jewish is terminally ill. The family and rabbi spend a great deal of time at the patient’s bedside. At the time of death, what should the nurse expect to occur?

1. The family will approve organ donation.
2. The rabbi will say Shiva.
3. The family will approve an autopsy.
4. The patient may want to say the Shema or have it said for him.

ANSWER:

Correct Answer: 4

Orthodox Jewish patients may want to say the Shema or have it said for them at the time of their death. The Shema is a prayer of praise. Autopsy is discouraged. When autopsy is warranted, it must be limited to essential organs or systems, and all body parts must be buried together. In the Jewish religion, Shiva is a week-long period of mourning following the death of first degree relatives, it is not a spoken prayer.