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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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During an interview, note-taking may impede the nurse's observation of the patient's nonverbal behaviors. Which statement is true regarding note-taking?
- A. Note-taking may impede the nurse's observation of the patient's nonverbal behaviors.
- B. Note-taking allows the patient to continue at their own pace as the nurse records what is said.
- C. Note-taking allows the nurse to shift attention away from the patient, resulting in an increased comfort level.
- D. Note-taking allows the nurse to break eye contact with the patient, which may increase their level of comfort.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Note-taking during an interview can impede the nurse's ability to observe the patient's nonverbal behaviors, such as body language and facial expressions, which are important aspects of communication. It may break eye contact too often, shift attention away from the patient, interrupt the patient's narrative flow, and diminish the patient's sense of importance. Therefore, it is crucial for the nurse to balance the need for note-taking with maintaining active listening and observation skills to ensure effective communication and rapport building with the patient. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because note-taking can actually hinder the patient's narrative flow, decrease the nurse's observation of nonverbal cues, and potentially make the patient feel less important or attended to due to distractions caused by the note-taking process.
When planning a cultural assessment, which component should be included?
- A. Family history
- B. Chief complaint
- C. Medical history
- D. Health-related beliefs
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: When planning a cultural assessment, the nurse should include the component of health-related beliefs. Understanding a person's cultural background and beliefs about health and wellness is crucial for providing culturally competent care. Health-related beliefs can impact a person's attitudes towards illness, treatment preferences, and adherence to medical recommendations. Therefore, assessing health-related beliefs is essential for delivering effective and respectful healthcare services. Choices A, B, and C are important components of a comprehensive patient assessment but are not specific to cultural considerations. While family history, chief complaint, and medical history are pertinent to understanding a patient's health status, health-related beliefs focus specifically on the cultural aspect that influences an individual's health perceptions and behaviors.
When an American Indian seeks help at the clinic for regulating her diabetes, the nurse can expect that she:
- A. will comply with the treatment prescribed.
- B. has not necessarily given up her beliefs in naturalistic causes of disease.
- C. may also be seeking the assistance of a shaman or medicine man.
- D. may need extra help in dealing with her illness and may be experiencing a crisis of faith.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: It is important to recognize that individuals from American Indian cultures may incorporate traditional healing practices, such as seeking the assistance of a shaman or medicine man, alongside biomedical treatments. This holistic approach to health and healing is a significant aspect of their cultural beliefs and practices. Choice A is incorrect because compliance with treatment may vary among individuals and cannot be generalized. Choice B is incorrect as it assumes that seeking traditional help means giving up beliefs in naturalistic causes of disease, which is not necessarily the case. Choice D is incorrect as it makes assumptions about the patient's emotional state and crisis of faith without evidence. Overall, understanding and respecting the integration of traditional healing practices is key to providing culturally sensitive care.
During an interview, a parent of a hospitalized child is sitting in an open position. As the interviewer begins to discuss his son's treatment, however, he suddenly crosses his arms against his chest and crosses his legs. This would suggest that the parent is:
- A. just changing positions.
- B. more comfortable in this position.
- C. tired and needs a break from the interview.
- D. uncomfortable talking about his son's treatment.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The parent's sudden change in body language from an open position to crossing arms and legs suggests discomfort or defensiveness, particularly when discussing his son's treatment. This closed-off position indicates a lack of willingness to share information and potentially signals discomfort with the topic being discussed. Choice A is incorrect as the abrupt shift in body language indicates more than just a change in position. Choice B is incorrect because crossing arms and legs typically signal defensiveness or discomfort rather than comfort. Choice C is incorrect as there are specific body language cues indicating discomfort rather than just fatigue.
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.