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.
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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.
During an assessment, the nurse notices that a patient is handling a small charm that is tied to a leather strip around his neck. Which action by the nurse is appropriate?
- A. Ask the patient about the item and its significance.
- B. Ask the patient to lock the item with other valuables in the hospital's safe.
- C. Tell the patient that a family member should take valuables home.
- D. No action is necessary.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The appropriate action for the nurse in this situation is to ask the patient about the charm and its significance. This helps the nurse understand the patient's cultural beliefs, personal values, and any potential significance the charm holds for the patient. It also shows respect for the patient's personal belongings. Asking about the charm can help establish rapport and cultural competence in the nurse-patient relationship. Choices B and C do not address the patient's attachment to the charm or provide an opportunity for cultural understanding. Choice D is incorrect as it dismisses the importance of acknowledging and respecting the patient's personal belongings.
When a female patient who does not speak English well requires an interpreter, what would be the most appropriate choice?
- A. A trained interpreter
- B. A male family member
- C. A female family member
- D. A volunteer college student from the foreign language studies department
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: To facilitate effective communication between a female patient with limited English proficiency and healthcare providers, the most appropriate choice is a trained interpreter. Trained interpreters, especially those familiar with medical terminology, ensure accurate transmission of information and maintain patient-provider confidentiality. Using a family member, whether male or female, can lead to misunderstandings, breaches of confidentiality, and potential biases. Volunteer college students may lack the necessary skills and experience to handle sensitive medical conversations professionally. Opting for a trained interpreter is crucial to enhance communication quality, promote understanding, and uphold patient care standards.
Among many Asians there is a belief in the yin\yang theory, rooted in the ancient Chinese philosophy of Tao. The nurse recognizes which statement that most accurately reflects "health" in an Asian with this belief?
- A. A person is able to work and produce.
- B. A person is happy, stable, and feels good.
- C. All aspects of the person are in perfect balance.
- D. A person is able to care for others and function socially. - C) All aspects of the person are in perfect balance. Page: 21 Many Asians believe in the yin\yang theory, in which health is believed to exist when all aspects of the person are in perfect balance. The other statements do not describe this theory.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In Asian belief systems like the yin\yang theory rooted in Tao philosophy, health is seen as existing when all aspects of a person are in perfect balance. This means that physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual elements need to be harmonized for an individual to be considered healthy. The other statements do not encapsulate this holistic perspective on health.
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.