The family of a dying client has informed the nurse that their religio

The family of a dying client has informed the nurse that their religion requires that a ritual bath be given by members of the faith after death.

Because the hospital unit is very busy and there is an acute need for every bed, how should the nurse respond to this request?
1. Notify the mortuary of the family’s request.
2. Arrange for supplies and privacy for the family.
3. Tell the family that the bath will have to take place after the body is removed from the hospital.
4. Allow the family to give the bath, but give a 1-hour deadline for completion.

ANSWER

Correct Answer: 2
Rationale 1: There is no need to notify the mortuary.
Rationale 2: When a client is dying, much of the nursing care shifts from the client to support of the family. The nurse should allow this bath and should provide supplies and privacy for the family to complete the ritual.
Rationale 3: The nurse should not tell the family that they will have to delay the bath until the body is removed.
Rationale 4: The nurse should not put a deadline on the bath.