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An elderly Mexican-American woman with traditional beliefs has been admitted to an inpatient care unit. A culturally-sensitive nurse would:
- A. contact the hospital administrator about the best course of action.
- B. automatically get a curandero for her because it is not culturally appropriate for her to request one.
- C. further assess the patient's cultural beliefs and offer the patient assistance in contacting a curandero or priest if she desires.
- D. ask the family what they would like to do because Mexican-Americans traditionally give control of decisions to their families.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: When caring for a patient with traditional beliefs, especially one belonging to a culture like Mexican-American where folk or religious healers are important, a culturally-sensitive nurse should assess the patient's beliefs and preferences. By offering assistance in contacting a curandero or priest, the nurse acknowledges and respects the patient's cultural practices and provides holistic care that aligns with the patient's values. This approach helps build trust and ensures the patient receives care that is culturally appropriate and respectful. Choice A is incorrect as contacting the hospital administrator may not directly address the patient's cultural needs. Choice B is inappropriate as assuming the patient needs a curandero without assessment disregards individual preferences. Choice D is incorrect because while family involvement is valued in Mexican-American culture, the primary focus should be on the patient's individual preferences and autonomy.
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The healthcare professional is reviewing concepts of cultural aspects of pain. Which statement is true regarding pain?
- A. All individuals will behave the same way when in pain.
- B. Just as individuals vary in their perceptions of pain, they will also vary in their expressions of pain.
- C. Cultural norms play a significant role in determining pain tolerance, as it is always biologically determined.
- D. A patient's expression of pain is largely dependent on the amount of tissue injury associated with the pain.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Patients vary in their perceptions of pain, which can be influenced by cultural factors, personal experiences, and psychological aspects. As a result, individuals will also vary in how they express their pain. Cultural norms, social environment, and individual differences all play a role in how pain is experienced and communicated. Therefore, it is important for healthcare professionals to recognize and respect these variations in order to provide appropriate pain management and support for patients. Choice A is incorrect because individuals do not behave the same way when in pain. Choice C is incorrect because pain tolerance is not solely biologically determined; cultural norms and individual differences also influence it. Choice D is incorrect because a patient's expression of pain can be influenced by various factors beyond the amount of tissue injury, such as emotional state and cultural beliefs.
During a wellness workshop, a healthcare provider is collecting comprehensive health histories from attendees. One of the written questions on the history form states, 'You don't smoke, drink, or take drugs, do you?' This question is an example of:
- A. talking too much.
- B. using confrontation.
- C. using biased or leading questions.
- D. using blunt language to address sensitive topics.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The question provided is an example of using biased or leading questions. It suggests that one answer is more socially acceptable or preferable than another, potentially pressuring the individual to respond in a specific way. This can result in inaccurate information being provided and may also evoke feelings of guilt or judgment, influencing the person's responses. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect as they do not accurately describe the nature of the question. The question does not involve talking too much, confrontation, or blunt language; instead, it leads the respondent towards a specific answer.
When providing culturally competent care, how should nurses incorporate cultural assessments into health assessments? Which statement is most appropriate when initiating an assessment of cultural beliefs with an elderly American Indian patient?
- A. "Are you of the Christian faith?"
- B. "Do you want to see a medicine man?"
- C. "How often do you seek help from medical providers?"
- D. "What cultural or spiritual beliefs are important to you?"
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The most appropriate statement to initiate an assessment of cultural beliefs with an elderly American Indian patient is to ask, "What cultural or spiritual beliefs are important to you?" This question encourages the patient to share their personal beliefs without assuming stereotypes or making generalizations. It allows the patient to express their individual cultural and spiritual practices, enabling nurses to deliver more personalized and culturally competent care. Choices A, B, and C are not as suitable. Choice A assumes a specific faith without considering the patient's actual beliefs. Choice B relies on a stereotype about American Indian culture, and Choice C focuses more on seeking medical help rather than exploring cultural beliefs.
When a nurse is performing a health interview on a patient with a language barrier and no interpreter is available, which of the following is the best example of an appropriate question for the nurse to ask?
- A. Do you take medicine?
- B. Do you sterilize the bottles?
- C. Do you have nausea and vomiting?
- D. You have been taking your medicine, haven't you?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The best example of an appropriate question for the nurse to ask in this situation is 'Do you take medicine?' This question is clear, simple, and focused on one topic at a time, which is essential when there is a language barrier and no interpreter available. It follows the recommendation to use simple words, avoid medical jargon, contractions, and pronouns in such situations. Choices B, C, and D involve more complex language, unrelated topics, or assumptions about the patient's actions, making them less suitable for effective communication in this context.
When evaluating the reliability of a patient's responses, which of these statements would be correct? The patient:
- A. has a history of drug abuse and therefore is not reliable.
- B. provided consistent information and therefore is reliable.
- C. smiled throughout the interview and therefore is assumed reliable.
- D. would not answer questions concerning stress and therefore is not reliable.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In evaluating the reliability of a patient's responses, consistency in the information provided by the patient is crucial. When a patient provides consistent information, it indicates that their responses are trustworthy and reliable. In this scenario, the nurse can consider the patient as reliable based on the consistency of the information provided. Other factors such as a history of drug abuse, smiling behavior, or refusal to answer certain questions may not necessarily determine the reliability of the patient's responses. Therefore, the correct choice is B as consistency in responses is a more reliable indicator of trustworthiness than other factors mentioned in the choices.