"Religion is a significant aspect of human experience that can provide a framework for an individual's response to a health challenge or transition. This book provides accessible and comprehensive information about the 20-plus families of religions nurses are likely to encounter among patients. For each religion there is succinct information on its history and theology; views on health and suffering; explanations for disease; beliefs and practices related to birthing, childrearing, and dying; healing rituals; corporate religious resources for the sick; and more. The reference also provides detailed communication techniques for discussing religion with patients, discusses how to assess a patient's beliefs, offers strategies for self-assessment, and legal and ethical aspects of addressing religiosity in patient care. "