The Jewish patient and terminal dehydration: a hospice ethical dilemma

Abstract

Culturally competent nursing care regarding the ethical dilemma of terminal dehydration (withholding or withdrawing food and fluid) for the Jewish hospice patient involves applying the ethical principles of justice, autonomy, beneficence, and nonmaleficence to nursing interventions by identifying outcomes that focus on the high value Jews place on life; avoiding stereotyping as to what it means to be Jewish; knowledge of various Jewish traditions surrounding death and dying; and good communication with the patient and his or her family.