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Hindu End-of-Life Cultural Considerations — SCE Palliative Medicine MCQ

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ModerateEnd of Life CareHindu End-of-Life Cultural ConsiderationsSCE Palliative Medicine

A 65‑year‑old woman with advanced endometrial cancer is dying in the hospice. She has a Hindu background. What cultural considerations are important for her end‑of‑life care?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: EMany Hindu patients and families may value scripture or hymn recitation at the bedside

Explanation lettering: D = shown as A · A = shown as C · E = shown as D · C = shown as E

The correct answer is C. UK person‑centred end‑of‑life care emphasises both awareness of common cultural practices and the imperative to individualise care through direct enquiry. SPaRC guidance notes that Hindu patients may find comfort from hymns and scriptures at the bedside, expect retention of religious objects, cremation, and involvement of family in last rites, with modesty and cleansing rituals respected ([sparc.bradfordhospitals.nhs.uk](https://sparc.bradfordhospitals.nhs.uk/guide/hindu/?utm_source=openai)). Derbyshire social care guidance supports these practices and the need to liaise with families ([staff.derbyshire.gov.uk](https://staff.derbyshire.gov.uk/site-elements/documents/working-here/adult-care/religious-and-cultural-needs-practice-guidance.pdf?utm_source=openai)). The UK government resource also highlights the need for religious items, flexibility with visitors, and sensitivity to the state of mind at death ([assets.publishing.service.gov.uk](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/496231/Faith_at_end_of_life_-_a_resource.pdf?utm_source=openai)). The other options are either ethically unacceptable (A, B) or factually incorrect/generalising (D, E), lacking basis in UK practice.

Reference: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/conditions-and-diseases/cancer/palliative-care