Chapter 5: Cultural Diversity PrepU
The nurse is caring for a client who perceives time differently. What action should the nurse take for this client? -Set all interventions to be done at specific times. -Perform interventions at random times during shift. -Maintain flexibility when the client requests interventions at specific times. -Have the client set all times for the interventions.
Maintain flexibility when the client requests interventions at specific times. People view time differently. Social time can reflect attitudes regarding punctuality that vary among cultures. The nurse should maintain a flexible attitude and adapt the time of interventions to the client's needs and requests. It is not realistic to have the client set all the times for the interventions or to have the interventions at a specific time or interventions at random times during the shift.
What are characteristics of nurses that make them a subculture? Select all that apply. -Uniforms worn based on place of employment -Language or medical terminology used to communicate -Legal authorization to provide health care to others -View of work as a reward; shared work ethic -Sensitivity to the importance of time
-Uniforms worn based on place of employment -Language or medical terminology used to communicate -Legal authorization to provide health care to others The dominant culture of nurses is that of the middle-class group. Work ethic and importance of time are values of this group. Dress, terminology, and legal authority belong to the nursing subculture.
Which disorders might a nurse screen for in a black client, based on race? Select all that apply. -Sickle cell anemia -Gout -Lactase deficiency -Keloid formations -Tay-Sachs disease -Cystic fibrosis
-Keloid formations -Lactase deficiency -Sickle cell anemia Black people are more likely to have keloid formations, lactase deficiency, and sickle cell anemia compared with the general population. Black people are not more likely to have Tay-Sachs disease, gout, or cystic fibrosis.
The nurse is taking a client history. With which client is direct eye contact appropriate? -60-year-old woman of Arab descent -55-year-old Native American/First Nations woman -32-year-old white woman -44-year-old woman of Asian descent
32-year-old white woman White Westerners generally make and maintain eye contact throughout communication. Although it may be natural for whites to look directly at a person while speaking, that is not always true of people from other cultures. It may offend clients of Asian descent or Native Americans/First Nations clients, who are likely to believe that lingering eye contact is an invasion of privacy or a sign of disrespect. Clients with Arab heritage may misinterpret direct eye contact as sexually suggestive.
A client says to the nurse, "Why don't you wear a white cap like nurses do on the soap operas?" This is an ethnocentric statement based on the: -genetics. -past history. -media. -nursing personality.
media. Ethnocentrism is a way of looking at the world through a personal lens that has been influenced by personality, genetics, family/relationships, and media. None of the remaining options play a role in the client's comment to the nurse.
The nurse is assessing an older adult who immigrated at the age of 3 years. The client speaks the dominant language and lives in a neighborhood with many households from the country of origin. Which action by the nurse is most appropriate? -Contact a traditional healer as part of culturally competent care of the client. -Ask the client about special cultural beliefs or practices. -Avoid direct eye contact with the client when speaking. -Contact the client's oldest son to assist with health care decision making.
Ask the client about special cultural beliefs or practices. Asking the client his or her beliefs exemplifies that the nurse recognizes the importance of respecting differences rather than imposing standards. The nurse cannot assume the client's beliefs based on cultural appearance, so contacting a tribal healer, avoiding making eye contact, or asking the client's son is not appropriate. Once asked, if the client believes cultural support is significant to health and recovery, then the nurse should respect the client's beliefs or practices.
Upon moving to another country, a college student is very confused by many local customs. He is especially bothered by the custom of men and women eating in separate areas and it makes him angry and resentful of the new culture. What are the feelings experienced by this student? -Stereotyping -Cultural assimilation -Ethnocentrism -Culture shock
Culture shock The student is experiencing culture shock, which is defined as the feelings a person experiences when placed in a different culture. Stereotyping is the assumption that all members of a culture, subculture, or ethnic group act alike. Ethnocentrism is the belief that one's ideas, beliefs, and practices are the best, are superior, or are most preferred to those of others. Cultural assimilation occurs when members of a minority group live within a dominant group and lose the cultural characteristics that make them different.
A client's spouse has asked that the client be cared for exclusively by female nurses. How should the nurse incorporate this request into the care plan? -Assess the couple's rationale for making the request -Document the request and make all reasonable efforts to honor it -Determine whether the request is based on a valid reason or cultural preference -Document the request as a knowledge deficit and address the couple's educational needs
Document the request and make all reasonable efforts to honor it Although cultural assessment in a tactful and respectful manner is likely appropriate in this situation, the care team's guiding principle and obligation should be to accommodate and respect the couple's request. It would be inappropriate for the care team to attempt to convince the couple to change their minds or assume that it is a personal preference. The nurse would not teach the couple that male nurses on the unit are empathetic, as having female nurses is the client's preference.
A nurse is working in a clinic that serves a community with a high population of immigrants. Which nursing assessment is the priority? -Blood sugar assessment -Blood pressure assessment -Language assessment -Spiritual assessment
Language assessment Although all of the assessments are appropriate, the priority assessment is communication. If clients do not speak the dominant language, it may be necessary to obtain an interpreter to provide culturally appropriate care.
The client, visiting from a foreign country, arrived at the facility seeking medical assistance following an accident. The client has limited proficiency in the dominant language. An onsite certified interpreter is unavailable. To assist in interpretation, what is an appropriate nursing intervention? -Ask the client's child to translate. -Obtain a dual-language communication book. -Use a contracted video interpretation service. -Access voice-to-text apps on the nurse's own mobile device.
Use a contracted video interpretation service. Federal law in the United States requires the same health care and social services for those individuals who have limited proficiency in the dominant. Many agencies contract with other companies to provide translation services either through video or by telephone. These companies use certified interpreters. Other avenues for interpretation are mobile apps and communication books. Neither of these avenues meets the needs for clients who require interpretation services. Using family members may be a civil rights violation.
The nurse is preparing the discharge plan for a new mother and her newborn son. Which new teaching should the nurse ensure is included after noting the family is Jewish? -proper breastfeeding techniques -care following the scheduled circumcision -the proper sleeping position for the newborn -when to schedule the next follow-up appointment
care following the scheduled circumcision Orthodox Judaism and some members of non-orthodox Jewish denominations consider circumcision as a sacred ritual which is performed on the 8th day of the infant's life. Clients of other faiths may request the circumcision be completed before the newborn is discharged home from the hospital and some will choose not to circumcise their newborn. The other choices should be part of every client's discharge teaching.
A client who practices Islam dies at the hospital surrounded by family members. Which action by the nurse demonstrates cultural sensitivity related to the client's death? -having the family members consult with the funeral home for transport -allowing the family to remain present when the nurse washes the client prior to shrouding -consulting the family member prior to performing post-mortem care -informing the family members they may say their goodbyes so that care can be provided
consulting the family member prior to performing post-mortem care Only family members may touch or wash the body of a deceased individual who practiced the Islamic faith, so the nurse should ask for permission prior to providing post-mortem care. The family may choose to remain, but the nurse will not be allowed to wash the body. It will be the nurse's responsibility to arrange for transport to the funeral home after care is rendered by the family.
When reviewing the chart of an older adult client, the nurse notes that the client identifies as Japanese. The nurse realizes the client is referring to which ancestral and cultural factor? -ethnocentrism -race -ethnicity -values
ethnicity Ethnicity refers to a common bond of kinship with country of origin, for this client Japan. Race refers to biologic differences, for this client Asian. Ethnocentrism is the belief that one's personal heritage is superior to others. Values are beliefs and attitudes that are important to a person. The scenario does not provide details to determine if the client expresses ethnocentrism nor any personal values.
Nurses are socialized into the: -healthcare culture. -diagnostic process. -caring paradigm. -nursing specialties.
healthcare culture. Culture enables people of similar cultural heritage to understand the meanings of each other's words as part of the particular context, to read each other's nonverbal behavior fairly accurately, and to communicate through symbols. All of these characteristics apply to health care, so health care can be considered a culture into which one can be socialized. The other answers pertain to the career, practice, or intellectual aspects of nursing but not as much to the social aspect of nursing.
A nurse has recently completed a seminar on cultural diversity. Which statement regarding development of cultural knowledge indicates a need for additional teaching? -"Be sure to convey sincerity and respect when assessing culture." -"The more curious the nurse is about the client's culture, the more the client will want to share." -"Members of minority cultures are often hesitant to discuss beliefs due to past experiences." -"It is important to listen closely to clients to acquire knowledge of culture."
"The more curious the nurse is about the client's culture, the more the client will want to share." Clients often respond negatively to probing curiosity with regard to cultural assessment. A sincere, honest, respectful conversation is more appropriate. The other options are all true regarding cultural knowledge.
A nurse is providing care to a client who has limited understanding of the dominant language. Which strategy is best for the nurse to use to ensure that the client obtains the needed health information? -Enlist the services of a qualified language interpreter -Use a laboratory aide who is from the same country as the client -Ask another nurse who speaks the client's language to interpret -Ask a bilingual family member to translate
Enlist the services of a qualified language interpreter Hospitals are required to provide qualified language interpreters for the client who does not speak or understand the predominant language of the community. Obtaining qualified interpreters rather than bilingual members of the client's family or friends, however well-intentioned or convenient the latter might be, is important because interpretation of behavior goes beyond translation of words. Much medical vocabulary and terminology is difficult to translate into other languages, and another nurse who speaks the language or a laboratory aide from the same country as the client would not be trained to interpret.
The nurse is caring for a client from another culture who is diagnosed with lung cancer. Which nursing action best demonstrates culturally sensitive care? -Explaining the biomedical culture to the client. -Implementing a standardized care plan for the client with lung cancer after explaining the procedure in the client's native language. -Treating all clients the same based on the diagnosis to demonstrate unbiased care. -Incorporating the client's need for daily prayer into the nursing care plan.
Incorporating the client's need for daily prayer into the nursing care plan. Nurses should be culturally competent and sensitive to provide care that respects (not just not offends) and incorporates the client's culture. Incorporating the client's culture creates an individual plan of care and not a treatment plan for all clients with the same diagnosis. The nurse should not use unmodified standardized care plans that do not account for cultural differences. Explaining the biomedical culture to the client does not ensure culturally sensitive care. The nurse should attempt to understand the client's culture, not have the client understand the culture of the health care system.
Which teaching statement best exemplifies cultural competence in relation to time for the American culture? -It is important to be on time for your health care appointment. -It is a sign of respect to be late for your health care appointments. -It is important to arrive within 20 minutes of your scheduled appointment time. -It is important to be future-oriented when considering your appointment time.
It is important to be on time for your health care appointment. In the United States, being on time and completing a job promptly are the expectation. This expectation is not the same in all cultures. It should be included when explaining cultural practice that timeliness is important. Being late for an appointment is considered disrespectful in the American culture.
Which nursing action displays linguistic competence? -Repeating statements to a client who speaks only a language different from the nurse -Learning pertinent words and phrases in the client's language -Asking a family member to interpret for a client who does not speak the dominant language -Speaking loudly to a client who does not speak the dominant language
Learning pertinent words and phrases in the client's language Linguistic competence is best displayed by learning pertinent words or phrases in the client's language. Speaking loudly and repeating words do not solve the communication barrier or show an effective response to a linguistic need. Asking the client's family to interpret is discouraged because it is often unreliable and leads to confusion for the client and the nurse.
A nurse is providing care to a client and has enlisted the help of a trained interpreter to assist in communicating with the client. Which action would the nurse do first? -Meet with the interpreter alone before a combined meeting with the client. -Tell the interpreter what the nurse wants to learn from the client. -Explain what messages the nurse wants to convey to the client. -Discuss any concerns about how to communicate with the client.
Meet with the interpreter alone before a combined meeting with the client. The nurse should first meet with the interpreter before they meet with the client. During this meeting, it would be appropriate to tell the interpreter what the nurse wants to learn from the client and what messages the nurse wants to convey to the client. Also, the nurse should discuss any concerns about how to communicate with the client, and ask for feedback on how to help the interpreter reach a mutual understanding with the client.
A newly hired young nurse overheard the charge nurse talking with an older nurse on the unit. The charge nurse said, "All these young nurses think they can come in late and leave early." What cultural factor can the new nurse assess from this conversation? -Stereotyping -Cultural imposition -Cultural conflict -Cultural blindness
Stereotyping The charge nurse is clearly exhibiting ageism, which is a form of stereotyping. Cultural assimilation is when one begins to assume some characteristics of a culture outside of one's own. Cultural blindness occurs when cultural differences are ignored. Cultural imposition occurs when one pushes one's cultural beliefs onto another person.
A client is seeking care at the local clinic. The nurse is completing a cultural assessment. Which scenario would demonstrate cultural assimilation? -The client does not speak the dominant language and requires an interpreter. -The client's child learned the dominant language as a second language. -The client and child cook traditional foods for the family. -The client enjoys watching television programs from the home country.
The client's child learned the dominant language as a second language. The child is demonstrating an example of cultural assimilation by taking on the language of the dominant culture. When a minority group lives within a dominant group, its members may adapt some of their cultural practices that once made them different. This process is referred to as cultural assimilation. Watching television from the home country, cooking traditional foods, and speaking only the original language demonstrate the original culture and an attempt to bring the minority culture into the dominant culture.
The clinic nurse is obtaining demographic data from a client. The client states, "Why do you need to know what my ethnicity is?" How should the nurse respond? -"Understanding your background will prevent us from doing anything to offend you." -"Collecting this information allows us to develop a personalized plan of care to meet your needs." -"We require the information for identification purposes." -"Insurance companies requires us to ask all clients."
"Collecting this information allows us to develop a personalized plan of care to meet your needs." Identifying and understanding the client's ethnicity will assist the nurse and healthcare team to develop and provide individualized culturally competent care. Ethnicity is not used for client identification. Insurance companies may request this data; however, it is not the priority reason for the nurse to collect the data.
What is the priority assessment for the nurse when developing a plan of care for a client living in poverty? -Access to affordable housing -Access to care -Access to health insurance -Access to financial assistance
Access to care Poverty has long been a barrier to adequate health care. If clients cannot access health care, it does not matter if they have affordable housing, health insurance, or financial assistance. It is not possible to create a plan of care with client involvement without adequate support and access to care.
A nurse is providing care to a client from a culture different from the nurse's own. The nurse is having difficulty relating to the client. What intervention by the nurse is most appropriate? -Ask the client how the client wants to be treated based on the client's values and beliefs. -Ask another nurse to take over the client's care. -Look up the client's culture online and try to figure out methods to relate. -Consult the Office of Minority Health Resource Center to help in the provision of care.
Ask the client how the client wants to be treated based on the client's values and beliefs. The best way to provide culturally appropriate care is to ask the client what the client values and believes and how the client would like to be treated. Asking another nurse to take over care will not help identify the cultural care needs. Researching the client's culture online and consulting the Minority Health Resource Center may be helpful as a learning experience later, but they do not help immediately in the provision of care. Also, remember that information about any culture is general and must be individualized.
The nurse is caring for a terminally ill client who immigrated from Mexico. Which nursing intervention regarding spiritual care is appropriate? -Inquire if the client desires the Sacrament of the Sick. -Ask the client if a spiritual leader is desired. -Do nothing unless the client requests spiritual assistance. -Call a Roman Catholic priest to visit the client.
Ask the client if a spiritual leader is desired. The appropriate response is to ask the client if a spiritual leader is desired, which is observant of the client's preferences. The nurse should not generalize that a Latino client is Roman Catholic, nor should the nurse refrain from inquiring about spiritual needs.
Which aspects of nursing make it recognizable as a subculture? Select all that apply. -Manner of dress -Rituals -Language used -Sensitive use of time -Talent for planning
-Manner of dress -Language used -Rituals Nurses are recognizable as a subgroup in numerous ways: their legally sanctioned, authoritative stance vis-à -vis clients and the general public; manner of dress; language ("nurse-ese" includes a large vocabulary of acronyms specific to healthcare professions as well as its own subcultural lingo); and the rituals and ritualized behaviors into which nurses are socialized as nurses. Talent for planning and sensitivity to the use of time are values of nurses that reflect the dominant group.
The nurse has just attended a seminar on concepts of cultural diversity. Which statement made by the nurse would require further education? -"Culture can be seen in attitudes and institutions of certain populations." -"Language is the primary way that people share their culture." -"Culture cannot be influenced, and you are born with your culture." -"Culture helps to define identity within specific groups of people."
"Culture cannot be influenced, and you are born with your culture." Culture is learned through life experiences from one generation to the next. Culture helping to define identity, language being the primary way that people share their culture, and culture being seen in attitudes of certain populations are correct options; these are all components that define culture.
The staff nurse overhears the charge nurse, who is of Italian heritage, talking to the unlicensed assistive personnel. Which statement made by the charge nurse is an example of ethnocentrism? -"Italians are best at everything." -"Hispanics are usually lazy." -"Asian people are bad drivers." -"People who are Irish are usually alcoholics."
"Italians are best at everything." Ethnocentrism is the belief that one's cultural is better than other cultures. Therefore, the statement "Italians are the best at everything" demonstrates ethnocentrism. The other options are examples of stereotyping. Stereotyping is a fixed attitude about people who share common characteristics.
Nurses are responsible for delivering culturally competent care for all clients. Culturally competent care does not account for: -available technology. -individual values. -client's height. -developmental level.
client's height. In partnership with the person, family, and others; the nurse develops an individualized plan considering the person's characteristics or situation including but not limited to: values, beliefs, spiritual and health practices, preferences, choices, developmental level, coping style, culture, environment, and available technology. A physical characteristic such as one's height does not contribute to cultural competence.
The nurse just attended a seminar on cultural diversity. Which statement by the nurse would require further education? -"People of the same ethnicity share many of the same cultural and social beliefs." -"Ethnicity and race are the same thing and are affected by cultural practice." -"Ethnicity can often determine dialect and political interests." -"Ethnicity begins at birth or through adoption of characteristics."
"Ethnicity and race are the same thing and are affected by cultural practice." People are often born into an ethnic group, or ethnicity develops by immersion in a community. People of the same ethnicity often speak similar dialects and share similar values. Ethnicity and race are terms used interchangeably; however, they are not the same thing. Race refers specifically to physical characteristics.
A community health nurse is providing care to a group of Hispanic people living in an area that is predominantly populated by white people. What are the Hispanic people in this community an example of? -A minority -A majority -A subgroup -A subculture
A minority The term minority refers to a group of people whose physical and cultural characteristics differ from the majority of people in a society. Subcultures are relatively large groups of people who are members of an even larger cultural group but who have certain ethnic, occupational, or physical characteristics that are not common to that larger group. A subgroup is a division of a group that is in some way distinguished from the larger group. A majority is most of the people in a large group.
A student nurse is not looking forward to clinical rotation on a geriatric unit, stating "How can I get them to move faster? They always seem so slow!" How should the instructor respond? -"Be careful of the negative attitude in your approach. How fast an individual moves will depend on physical ability not necessarily age." -"Perhaps you should review the information in our textbook for some techniques you can use." -"I will show you several different techniques which you can use while providing care to these older clients." -"You will get to learn how to best plan your care utilizing the slower response from older clients."
"Be careful of the negative attitude in your approach. How fast an individual moves will depend on physical ability not necessarily age." Ageism is a form of negative stereotypical thinking about older adults. This can include thinking all older adults are physically and cognitively impaired, have lack of interest in sex, or are burdensome to families and society. The instructor should first help the student recognize the stereotypical attitude and then provide tips on how to best address this attitude and not how to change the client's actions.
The nurse is caring for a client who is admitted for hypertension (HTN). The nurse notes that the client has not been eating the food provided, and family members have brought in homemade food. What would be the best response by the nurse? -"Do you understand the specific diet for your HTN?" -"It is ok to eat what your family brought you, as long as we see what it is." -"Can you tell me what foods you prefer to eat and what your family is bringing you?" -"You should consider eating the food provided, which is healthier."
"Can you tell me what foods you prefer to eat and what your family is bringing you?" The nurse should attempt to provide culturally sensitive food; however, the nurse should assess what foods the client wants to eat. The nurse should educate the client on food preferences that are also appropriate to the disease-specific dietary restrictions. Even though the diet may be healthier, the nurse should first assess the client's preferences. The nurse should verify the client's understanding of the diet but should avoid closed-ended questions such as asking if the client understands the specific diet for HTN.
The nurse is teaching a Black client about common health conditions. Which statement by the client most directly addresses a health problem with an increased incidence in this population group? -"Increasing dairy will improve my bones." -"I need to watch the amount of high-density lipids I eat." -"It is important to monitor my blood pressure." -"Getting a mammogram in my thirties is important."
"It is important to monitor my blood pressure." Monitoring the blood pressure is important for identifying the risk for hypertension and stroke, which are common health conditions among the Black population. The other statements are correct for preventing diabetes, breast cancer, and osteoporosis, but these diseases are not disproportionately common health conditions for the population.
The nurse is collecting the health history of a client and notes the client is apprehensive in answering questions. The client states, "My spiritual healer will be here soon." What is the best response by the nurse? -"I will leave the questionnaire here. Please fill it out when your spiritual healer arrives." -"We can wait until your spiritual healer arrives and work together to answer these questions." -"These questions need to be answered so we can provide you with the best care." -"I can wait until your spiritual healer arrives, but you are the only one who can answer these questions."
"We can wait until your spiritual healer arrives and work together to answer these questions." The culturally sensitive nurse understands that some cultures rely on a spiritual healer to restore harmony and health. If the client requests the spiritual healer to be present, the nurse should respect the client's beliefs and decision. Leaving the questionnaire with the client is not acceptable because the nurse needs to make sure the questionnaire is completed with the client. Telling the client that he or she is the only one who can fill out the questionnaire is not necessary and rude. Telling the client that the questions need to be answered so the health care team can provide the best care is important, but recognizing and supporting the client and his or her beliefs is the priority.
A nurse is admitting a client to the unit. Which cultural question is most appropriate? -"What are your dietary needs and preferences?" -"Will you be able to eat the normal food provided?" -"Do you have food restrictions?" -"Will you be making requests for special food based on your religion?"
"What are your dietary needs and preferences?" By asking about dietary needs and preferences, the nurse can gain insight into religious and cultural dietary practices. Asking about "normal" foods assumes that a cultural dietary request is abnormal. The other options will produce limited insight and imply that a cultural dietary need is a restriction or hindrance.
A 45-year-old client who is hospitalized for the first time in the client's life is experiencing culture shock, not understanding what is going on with the client's body or in the hospital. Place the stages of culture shock listed below in the order in which the client will most likely experience them. -Honeymoon -Beginning resolution -Effective function -Disenchantment
-Honeymoon -Disenchantment -Beginning resolution -Effective function Culture shock is a stress syndrome that normally progresses through a series of recognizable stages (honeymoon, disenchantment, beginning resolution, and effective function) to its resolution.
The nurse works in an urban hospital and cares for a diverse population of clients. Which action(s) by the nurse demonstrates the delivery of culturally sensitive care to clients? Select all that apply. -asking the client questions regarding health care beliefs related to the client's culture -integrating the client's cultural practices when assisting with the creation of the plan of care -maintaining direct eye contact during conversations with all cultural groups -allowing the client to keep a religious necklace on until going into the operating room -indicating that the cultural groups should adapt to the Anglo-American culture
-asking the client questions regarding health care beliefs related to the client's culture -allowing the client to keep a religious necklace on until going into the operating room -integrating the client's cultural practices when assisting with the creation of the plan of care There are many ways in which nurses should deliver culturally sensitive care, but the priority is to understand the difference in culture and ethnicity and integrate these beliefs into the care delivery system. Asking questions related to culture is important since not all cultural groups follow a general belief practice. This should be considered whenever the plan of care is being developed. Allowing a client to wear a religious necklace until going into the operating room and keeping it in a safe place to be returned after a procedure is a demonstration of cultural sensitivity. Implying that a cultural group should adapt to the Anglo-American way is not culturally sensitive. Not all cultural groups respond to direct eye contact and the nurse should be aware of how this may be perceived.
A nurse is caring for a postoperative client after knee arthroplasty. The nurse plans to help the client ambulate but is aware that the client may feel threatened by physical closeness because the client is from a culture that tends to prefer more personal space when interacting with others. Using the principles of culturally competent care, what would be the most appropriate nursing action? -Instruct family members to assist in ambulating the client. -Let the client ambulate slowly on his or her own when stable. -Explain the purpose and need for assistance during ambulation. -Ambulate the client explaining it is an expected outcome of their treatment.
Explain the purpose and need for assistance during ambulation. The nurse should explain the purpose of ambulation and the need for assistance while ambulating to the client. This would relieve the client's anxiety associated with physical closeness. However, the client won't be able to ambulate without assistance. Even though the nurse can instruct a family member to ambulate the client, this is not an appropriate action. Ambulating the client without recognizing the cultural difference is nontherapeutic, as the nurse would be not be performing culturally competent care by not acknowledging cultural practice.
How is culture learned by each new generation? -Ethnic heritage -Involvement in religious activities -Formal and informal experiences -Belonging to a subculture
Formal and informal experiences Culture is a shared system of beliefs, values, and behavioral expectations that provide social structure for daily living. Culture includes the beliefs, habits, likes, dislikes, customs, rituals, and ethnic heritage that are learned through formal and informal experiences within one's family and within the cultural group to which one belongs. Involvement in religious experiences can be part of the culture learned through formal and informal experiences.
A family has immigrated and settled in a neighborhood that primarily speaks their native language. The nurse caring for this family recognizes that which family member will likely require the greatest amount of time to learn the dominant language? -The 18-year-old daughter in the family who works at a restaurant in a neighboring town -The 58-year-old father in the family who works in a nearby factory -The 12-year-old son in the family who attends public school -The 45-year-old mother in the family who does not work outside the home
The 45-year-old mother in the family who does not work outside the home The 45-year-old mother will have the greatest challenge in learning the dominant language due to not working outside the home and living in a community that speaks the native language. Children usually assimilate more rapidly and learn the language of the dominant culture quickly because they leave home each day to go to school, making new friends in the dominant culture. Wage earners also tend to learn a new language more quickly through the work setting. Language acquisition is tied to necessity and assimilation, rather than to the degree of difficulty.
The younger nurses on a unit, who seem to adapt easily to the new technology presented, are perceived as threatening by two nurses who have worked on the unit for years. The older nurses begin to ridicule the younger nurses, saying, "You might be able to work a computer, but we know how to provide real care." How should the charge nurse respond? -The charge nurse should recognize that this is cultural imposition and the younger nurses are forcing new technology on the older nurses. -The charge nurse should understand that this is stereotyping in the form of racism and intervene immediately. -The charge nurse should discuss the concept of cultural conflict and help both parties see their respective value to the unit. -The charge nurse should demonstrate cultural blindness and pretend that the issue does not exist.
The charge nurse should discuss the concept of cultural conflict and help both parties see their respective value to the unit. The scenario presents a classic example of cultural conflict. The older nurses feel threatened by those who are technologically savvy and try to prove their value so that they feel more secure. Both parties have value, and the charge nurse can use knowledge of diversity to help bring cohesion to the unit.
The nurse is teaching a family, who has recently learned a family member has a lactase deficiency, how to make healthier dietary choices to ensure the family member obtains enough calcium in their diet. The nurse determines the teaching was successful when they choose which menu as the best choice? -salad containing iceberg lettuce, spinach, tuna fish, zucchini, squash, radishes, carrots, celery, red onion, and ranch dressing, an orange, saltine crackers, coffee with nondairy creamer -fried hamburger patty with lettuce, onion slices, tomato, mayonnaise, ketchup, whole wheat bun, french fries, low-fat yogurt, diet soda -grilled steak, baked potato with butter, corn-on-the-cob, coleslaw (cabbage, carrots, onions and dressing), s'mores (graham crackers, marshmallows, and chocolate bar), water -baked salmon patty, steamed spinach, sweet potato, salad with romaine lettuce, hard-boiled egg slices, carrots, celery, cucumber, and vinegar vinaigrette dressing, apple slices, ice tea
baked salmon patty, steamed spinach, sweet potato, salad with romaine lettuce, hard-boiled egg slices, carrots, celery, cucumber, and vinegar vinaigrette dressing, apple slices, ice tea The best choice is the salmon, spinach, sweet potato, salad, apple, and ice tea. The client will need to include other sources of calcium since milk and milk products are no longer advisable. This will include green leafy vegetables, dates, prunes, canned sardines and salmon with bones, egg yolks, whole grains, dried peas and beans, and calcium supplements. The other menu choices all include milk or milk products in some form (mayonnaise, yogurt, ranch dressing, butter, marshmallows, and chocolate bar).
A nurse is caring for a client with bacterial pneumonia and a temperature of 104°F (40.0°C). Yesterday, the client's temperature was 102°F (38.9°C). The health care provider on call prescribes cool compresses for the client to help lower the fever. The client insists that the nurse bring warm blankets because they will help the client to recover more quickly. The nurse recognizes that the client's request is an example of: -cultural ritual. -cultural competence. -ethnocentrism. -cultural stereotyping.
cultural ritual. Clients and families often express rituals, or practices habitually repeated in certain contexts, during times of stress, such as during an acute hospitalization. Keeping the body covered and warm is a home remedy used by many cultures to help heal the body. As in this example, cultural rituals may conflict with Western medical beliefs. Cultural competence is an approach to health care in which one is aware of one's one cultural beliefs and biases and understands the effects that a client's culture has on the client's health care. Stereotyping involves applying a preconceived and untested generalization to a whole group of people. Ethnocentrism is the belief that one's culture is superior to another.
