Page 584 - Saunders Comprehensive Review For NCLEX-RN

Members are not allowed to receive a blood transfusion.
Members believe that the soul cannot live after the body has died.

Islam

Second-degree male relatives such as cousins or uncles should be the contact
people and determine whether the client or family should be given
information about the client.
The client may choose to face Mecca (west or southwest in the United States).
The head should be elevated above the body.
Discussions about death usually are not welcomed.
Stopping medical treatment is against the will of Allah (Arabic word for God).
Grief may be expressed through slapping or hitting the body.
If possible, only a same-sex Muslim should handle the body after death; if not
possible, non-Muslims should wear gloves so as not to touch the body.
Some Muslims permit organ transplant for the purpose of saving human life.

Judaism

A client placed on life support should remain so until death.
A dying person should not be left alone (a rabbi’s presence is desired).
Autopsy and cremation are usually not allowed.
Some generally oppose prolonging life after irreversible brain damage.

Hinduism

Rituals include tying a thread around the neck or wrist of the dying person,
sprinkling the person with special water, and placing a leaf of basil on the
person’s tongue.
After death, the sacred threads are not removed, and the body is not washed.
Some prefer cremation and desire to cast the ashes in a holy river.

Buddhism

A shrine to Buddha may be placed in the client’s room.
Time for meditation at the shrine is important and should be respected.
Clients may refuse medications that may alter their awareness (e.g., opioids).
After death, a monk may recite prayers for 1 hour (need not be done in the
presence of the body).
Buddhists in the United States encourage organ donation and consider it an act
of mercy.

African Americans

Members discuss issues with the spouse or older family member (elders are

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