Nursing Management of Thai Buddhist Monks on Hemodialysis during Religious Intermittent Fasting: A Narrative Review and Practical Guidance
Keywords:
Cultural competence, Hemodialysis, Nursing management, Patient-centered care, Religious intermittent fasting, Thai Buddhist monksAbstract
Hemodialysis is life-sustaining for end-stage renal disease patients; however, managing therapy in Thai Buddhist monks is complex due to strict religious fasting and dietary constraints. This challenge is particularly acute in elderly, frail monks with multiple comorbidities.
This narrative review synthesizes evidence on the impact of religious fasting on hemodialysis outcomes and proposes tailored nursing management strategies. Findings indicate that fasting in this population can exacerbate malnutrition, electrolyte imbalance, and hemodynamic instability.
Effective management requires a structured, culturally sensitive approach, including tailored nutritional support, rigid electrolyte monitoring, medication adjustment, and care plans that honor monastic rules. This review provides a comprehensive framework to support safe, holistic care in this unique population.
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