Nursing Process Exam Questions Related

Review Nursing Process Exam Questions related questions and content

While interviewing an older female patient of Asian descent, the nurse notices that the patient looks at the ground when answering questions. What should the nurse do?

  • A. Consider cultural differences during this assessment.
  • B. Ask the patient to make eye contact to determine her affect.
  • C. Continue with the interview and document that the patient is depressed.
  • D. Notify the health care provider to recommend a psychological evaluation.
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Consider cultural differences during this assessment. In many Asian cultures, avoiding direct eye contact is a sign of respect and humility, especially when speaking to authority figures. By being aware of this cultural norm, the nurse can avoid misinterpreting the patient's behavior as a sign of depression or dishonesty. Asking the patient to make eye contact (choice B) may make the patient uncomfortable and disrupt the therapeutic relationship. Continuing with the interview and documenting depression (choice C) without considering cultural differences can lead to inaccurate assessment and inappropriate interventions. Notifying the health care provider for a psychological evaluation (choice D) is premature and unnecessary without first understanding the cultural context of the patient's behavior.