Question

Selecting a “typical” Jewish client is difficult. An ultra-Orthodox Jew has a particular set
of special needs. Yet, it is more common to see a Jew who is a middle-of-the-road
Conservative.
Sarah is an 80-year-old woman who is a first-generation American. She was
raised in a traditional Conservative home. Her husband died after 50 years of a strong
marriage. She has three children. Although her home is not kosher, she practices a
variation of kosher-style eating, avoiding pork and not making dishes that combine
meat and milk.
Two months ago, she was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Surgery was
attempted, but the cancer was already in an advanced stage. Chemotherapy was started,
but the cancer has progressed and is not responding to the medications. She is having
difficulty eating because of the pressure of the tumor on the gastrointestinal tract.
Discussions are being held to determine whether or not treatments should be stopped
and whether hospice care should be initiated.
Her hospital room is always filled with visitors.

1. What must you anticipate in discussing with Sarah her wishes regarding the
continuation of medical care?
2. How would you respond to her initial decision to have surgery and initiate
chemotherapy?
3. What questions do you need to ask in the initial patient interview to assess her
degree of religious practice? How will you determine her spirituality needs?
4. What is your understanding of the reason she has so many visitors in her room?

Answer 1

1)According to Jewish law all people have a duty to keep themselves in good health, this encompasses physical and mental well being and includes not only early treatment for illness but also prevention of illness.Sarah should continue medical care as long as possible .

2)Judaism teaches individuals to " Choose life" , refusing lifesaving treatment is seen by some as suicide as one is choosing death over life.All denominations religious requirements may be laid aside if an individual has a life threatening illness.

3)In the initial patient interview following types of questions need to ask to assess her degree of religious practice.These are as follows:-

a)Who or what supplies you with strength and hope?

b)Do you have a religious affiliation?

c)Do you participate in any religious activities?

d)Does your faith help you in stressful situations?

e)Do you pray or meditate?

I will determine her spiritual needs by discussing her during interdisciplinary rounds.

4)She has so many visitors in her room because she is suffering from advance stage of pancreatic cancer and fighting with it at last stage of life so most of the people known to her visited to meet her and see her condition so that they can give her some hope and sympathy .