A nurse is assisting with the care of a client who is admitted to the medical surgical unit.

Complete the following sentences by using the list of options:

The nurse anticipates the client will likely require

______

as evidenced by the client’s

_______

and

______

.

A) Position the client’s head toward Mecca: In Islam, it is customary to position the deceased's body with the head facing toward Mecca, the holy city of Islam. This is an important religious practice and should be followed during postmortem care to respect the deceased's cultural and religious beliefs.

B) Allow a family member of the client to stay with the client’s body until burial: It is customary in many Islamic traditions for a family member to stay with the body, providing comfort and ensuring the body is treated with respect. However, the nurse should ensure this is done within the hospital's policies and in a safe, culturally sensitive manner. This practice should be respected, but it is not the immediate priority for the nurse during postmortem care.
C) Allow a family member to stay with the client’s body for 8hr: While some Islamic traditions may involve family members staying with the body, the nurse should adhere to the specific wishes of the family and the institution's policies. The 8-hour duration is not a specific religious requirement, and the focus should be on providing respectful, appropriate care and ensuring the family’s wishes are honored within the hospital's guidelines.

D) Position the client’s head northward: In Islamic traditions, the body is positioned with the head facing toward Mecca, not northward. Positioning the head in a direction other than toward Mecca would not align with the cultural practices of Islam regarding postmortem care. Therefore, this action would not be appropriate.

A) "I will get you information about some head-covering options."
This response acknowledges the client's concern about hair loss and provides a supportive and proactive solution. Many chemotherapy clients experience hair loss, and offering resources for head coverings shows empathy while helping them cope with the anticipated changes in appearance. It demonstrates the nurse's willingness to assist the client with emotional and physical challenges related to treatment.

B) "Let’s discuss this when we have more time."
Delaying the discussion about hair loss is not ideal. It dismisses the client’s current concern and may make the client feel like their feelings are not a priority. Hair loss can be a significant emotional challenge, and the nurse should address it in a timely and compassionate manner rather than postponing the conversation.

C) "I can’t imagine how difficult it would be to lose my hair."
While this response is empathetic, it focuses on the nurse's feelings instead of addressing the client's concern. It is important to maintain a client-centered approach and focus on the client's needs. The nurse should offer concrete support or information, such as head-covering options, rather than expressing personal emotions that may not be helpful to the client.

D) "I wouldn’t worry about this right now. Let's focus on your chemotherapy."
This response dismisses the client's concern about hair loss, which can be a significant issue for many clients starting chemotherapy. Minimizing the concern or suggesting it is not worth discussing at this time may make the client feel unheard or undervalued. It’s important to acknowledge the client’s worries and provide support for them to manage the emotional impacts of chemotherapy.