(c)
Death is viewed from three aspects:
1 Visible reaction: emphasis on faith in God.
2 Fear of dying and of judgment: trying to get life in order.
3 Desire for death: emphasis on returning to God.
(d) The last rites of the Church (Sacrament of the Sick)
1 A vital part of the Catholic faith.
2 Comforts both the patient and the family members.
(e) Easter and Christmas are the most important holidays in the
Roman Catholic faith.
(f) Many Catholics abstain from or restrict their intake of meat during
Lent, which is the 40-day period from Ash Wednesday to Easter. Some have
maintained the custom of abstaining from meat on Fridays.
(2)
Nursing implications.
(a) In case of an emergency or impending death, a member of the
nursing staff may perform a Baptism.
(b) If a patient is brought into the hospital unconscious or in a serious
condition and found to have a rosary, Catholic medal, or identification card indicating
that the patient is Catholic, a priest should be called so the patient may have the
Sacrament of the Sick.
(3) If a patient wishes to abstain from meat because of a religious holiday,
inform the dietician or head nurse so that arrangements can be made.
(4)
During important holidays, the patient may want to see a priest and/or
attend Mass.
d. Christian Science.
(1)
Practices.
(a) Christian Scientists do not permit surgery or many other forms of
medical care.
(b) They believe that all illness is mental in origin.
MD0905
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