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Muslim Culture In Nursing

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According to the United States Census Bureau (2013), there were a total of 114.2 million Arab households residing in the U.S. between 2006 and 2010. Out of those households, one in three was Lebanese (Asi & Beaulieu, 2013). Chances are nurses in the United States are going to facilitate people of Middle Eastern descent, particularly those from Lebanon. Lebanese Muslims are predominately of the Sunni or Shia sects (The Iran Primer, 2014). To better understand how to care for a Sunni or Shia Muslim as a nursing professional, this paper will examine the cultural beliefs of such a patient that is undergoing a radical mastectomy for Breast Cancer. The discourse of this paper will focus on three areas: the psychological effect of being subjected …show more content…

Sometimes a translator may be of the highest regard. Though needing a translator is possible, it is unlikely due to the fact that most Lebanese are fluent in two or three languages. “While Arabic is Lebanon’s official language, English and French are widely spoken” (“What languages are spoken in Lebanon?,” 2012). When communicating, it is important to have limited eye contact with the client. Staring or displaying frequent directness can be interpreted as rude (Muslim Culture, 2014). “Muslim Culture,” further informs: “calling them by their first name or their last name without the prefix of Mr., Mrs., or Miss is considered impolite among Muslims” (2014). To show respect for the patient’s privacy, a nurse should always knock before entering the patient’s room (Muslim Culture, 2014). Also keep in mind, shaking the head back and forth to say “No” means “Yes” in the Middle East (Muslim Culture, 2014). Though this fact is noteworthy, it is likely that a person from the Middle East living in or visiting the United States understands the American meaning of this action. Furthermore, people from the Middle East usually dress in a more reserved fashion than Americans; long dress, long sleeves, raised neckline, and head covering. If the hospital gown provided is not to their needs, they should be permitted to wear …show more content…

She’ll have blood tests, urinalysis, and an ECG….The night before surgery, she should follow her healthcare provider's instructions on when to stop eating and drinking, and should shower with an antibacterial soap. Tell the patient that surgery usually lasts 1 to 2 hours, depending on the type of mastectomy. Tell the patient and her support person about postoperative care in the hospital and at home. This information will need to be reinforced postoperatively before discharge. Provide printed instructions for the patient to refer to later. Teaching topics include expected length of stay, routine postoperative monitoring, caring for a drainage tube, reducing the risk of lymphedema, range of motion exercises, pain management, and support groups

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