Page 193 - ACCCN's Critical Care Nursing

170 P R I N C I P L E S A N D P R A C T I C E O F C R I T I C A L C A R E

● Aboriginal Health Workers are central to the transfusions for those belonging to the Seventh Day
care of Aboriginal people and are the links between Adventist religion. Having a standardised list of religions
the Aboriginal communities and mainstream health. and procedural considerations is flawed due to the varia-
● Aboriginal culture influences health beliefs, and this tions that exist, and in some instances the variations are
can act adversely if not recognised. great. Thus, as part of the initial assessment the critical
nurse should determine whether the patient has religious
RELIGIOUS CONSIDERATIONS beliefs and practices that must be observed or not, and
incorporate these into the care plan.
Religious beliefs and practices contribute to a person’s
spiritual wellness on one hand, while on the other a criti- When a family member becomes critically ill, religious
cal care nurse’s religion may influence how care is deliv- beliefs and practices become an important coping mecha-
ered. 129 Religion can be closely aligned with a person’s nism in terms of making sense of the experience, as well
culture, and vary in how life, dying and death are viewed as being a source of faith and hope. While it can be
and may dictate how life is conducted. 1,130,131 Any breaches helpful to the critical care nurse to have an overview of
can have profound affects on a patient’s wellbeing, and the main religious beliefs and practices (see Table 8.4),
in some cases how family member may consequently caution must be used, and should not preclude working
interact with the patient. This has important implications with the patient’s family to ascertain exactly what their
for critical care nurses undertaking everyday practices, beliefs and preferences are. The involvement of family
and common procedures where religious beliefs dictate requires critical care nurses to broaden their focus from
a different approach. A common example is blood the patient to include the family who are often ideal

TABLE 8.4 Overview of key religious beliefs and practices 132,165

Religion Practices to be aware of Beliefs about illness, life and death
Protestantism Prayer and the Bible are important for support. Minister, Illness is an accepted part of life, although euthanasia
vicar or pastor may visit the sick person and the is not allowed. There is a belief in the afterlife, with
family. the dead being buried or cremated.
Roman Catholicism Prayer and the Bible are important. Some may have Illness is an accepted part of life, although euthanasia
restrictions on eating meat on Fridays of Lent, Ash is forbidden. There is a belief in the afterlife, with
Wednesday and Good Friday. Priest may undertake the dead being buried or cremated.
communion with and anoint the sick person.
Judaism There are orthodox and non-orthodox forms of Illness is an accepted part of life, with euthanasia
Judaism. Procedures should be avoided on the being forbidden, thus prolonging life is important
Sabbath (from sundown on Friday to sundown on and those on life support stay on it until death. The
Saturday). Dietary restrictions around pork, shellfish, Sabbath is a time that is considered sacred and
and the combination of meat and dairy products, when restrictions on activities are observed. There
extends to the use of dishes and utensils. Frequent is a belief that the human spirit is immortal. There
praying, especially for the sick person who should are special processes for managing the dead
not be left alone. The Rabbi will attend the sick person, who should be buried as soon as possible
person. after death. Thus, consultation with the Rabbi is
important. Postmortem examination is allowed only
if necessary.
Buddhism Prayer and meditation are important, using prayer Illness originates from a sin in a previous life. There is
books and scriptures, supported by teacher and a belief in afterlife, and the dead are buried or
Buddhist monks. The Buddhist is generally cremated. Living things should not be killed; this
vegetarian. Patients may refuse treatments (e.g. belief extends to euthanasia.
narcotic medications) that alter consciousness.
Hinduism Prayer and meditation are important, and are Illness is usually a punishment and must be endured.
supported by a Guru. Some Hindus are vegetarian. Some Hindus have healing practices based on their
The dying patient may have threads tied around the faith. There is a belief that the dead are
neck or wrist and be sprinkled with water; these reincarnated; they are usually cremated.
threads are sacred and are not removed after death.
The body is not washed after death.
Islam (Muslims) Private prayer, facing Mecca several times a day, Life and death are predetermined by Allah, and any
requires a private space. The patient may like to be suffering must be endured in order to be rewarded
positioned towards Mecca. Guided by the Qur’an in death. It is believed that dying the death of a
(Koran), which outlines the will of Allah (the creator martyr will be rewarded in death by going to
of all) as given through Muhammad (the prophet). paradise. Thus, staying true to the Qur’an is crucial.
Muslims fast during Ramadan, and eating pork and There is a belief in the afterlife, and the dead are
drinking alcohol is forbidden. Stopping treatment buried as soon as possible after death, on the side
goes against Allah. Talking about death should be facing Mecca.
avoided; designated male relatives will decide what
information patient and family should receive.