Christian Scientist are separate kind of Christian that teaches reliance on God, and God alone

during the sick period, rather than trusting in medicine or surgery for healing, (Treas. 2014, Pg

342). Christian Scientist do not drink alcohol or take anything for pain for the strict ones. Based

on this scenario Michael is a Christian Scientist that practice his religion therefore from the legal

and ethical point of view because he is alert and oriented and has right to make his own medical

decision by refusing to taking narcotic pills based on his religion beliefs

(www.nccih.nih.gov/pubmed).

The RN can utilize these implementations when the patient’s belief is contrary to their own.

1. Make a referral when needed, (Treas. 2014, Pg 331). Referring to a chaplain or pastor or

any spiritual leader that the patient might listen to can also facilitate or encourage the

patient adhere to treatment plan.

2. Incorporate non-harmful traditional health practices with mainstream prescriptive

therapies when appropriate, (Kee & Hayes, 8e pg 27). Allowing some traditional

therapies could be beneficial for the patient that doesn’t believe in orthodox treatment.

For example some patient from China believes in herbal tea for constipation instead of

taking medications. The RN needs to first find out for any interaction with the current

medication taking.

3. The RN should consider the person’s perspective on environmental control.

Knowing the general influence of the culture on perception and tolerance of pain, because

everybody from different culture have different threshold level of pain, and also know

what food are forbidden and food to be taken.

Another religion that resembles Christian Science is the Jehovah witness, they prohibit

the blood transfusions, and some surgical procedure but can take other medical
 treatments, (Treas. 2014, pg 342). They believe taking blood is morally wrong in the eyes

of the Lord and they support their belief with Bible passages.

The RN can collaborate with the Healthcare team to determine alternatives that goes

along with the patient’s belief.

References

Kee, J., Hyes, E., & McCuistion, L. (2015). Pharmacology: A patient-centered nursing

process approach (8th ed.). St. Louis, MO: Elsevier.

Treas, L. & Wilkinson, J. (2014). Basic nursing: Concepts, skills & reasoning. Philadelphia, PA:

F. A. Davis Company.

www.nccih.nih.gov