The nurse is speaking with a 40-year-old woman at a fund-raiser.The woman states,"I have never had a mammogram.I am a Buddhist and I believe if I get cancer,then that is what my fate will be." What is the most appropriate response by the nurse?

A) "You are 40 years old and really should start thinking about having a mammogram."
B) "Breast cancer can be cured if caught and treated early enough. You are not giving yourself an opportunity think about your own health."
C) "I don't know of any religion that just allows people to die. You may need to rethink this."
D) "This is certainly your choice; however, there is research that shows screening is helpful and effective."

Question

Ashish Sunil · Accepted Answer

Final Answer : D , Explanation :  The focus of this item is to demonstrate that certain religions,spirituality,and ways of thinking can and do have an effect on patients' willingness to seek out healthcare,most specifically,preventive screening.Researchers have investigated the effect of religious beliefs on health disparities.Fatalism,which is rooted in Buddhism,views fatal diseases as destined by nature and acceptance as a sign of wisdom and maturity.This group is known to have a highly pessimistic perception that preventive screening would lower their risk of getting cancer.The patient in this item is less likely to obtain a mammogram as a screening tool.The most appropriate response by the nurse is to first acknowledge and accept the patient's belief in her religion or way of life; however,the nurse should also provide a nonthreatening and educated response by giving the facts in support of what research has demonstrated and what prevention can do.Nurses cannot tell patients what they should and should not do,nor should they be critical of a person's religion.

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