Nursing Elites

1. An individual who takes the magicoreligious perspective of illness and disease is likely to believe that his or her illness was caused by:

• A. germs and viruses.
• B. supernatural forces.
• C. eating imbalanced foods.
• D. an imbalance within his or her spiritual nature.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The magicoreligious perspective of illness and disease is based on the belief that supernatural forces play a significant role in causing health problems. Individuals holding this perspective may believe that their illness was caused by curses, evil spirits, or other supernatural factors rather than conventional explanations like germs or viruses. This worldview influences how they perceive and seek treatment for their health conditions. Therefore, the correct answer is B) supernatural forces. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because they do not align with the supernatural beliefs associated with the magicoreligious perspective. This perspective focuses on attributing illness to supernatural causes rather than biological, dietary, or spiritual imbalances.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. In the majority culture of America, coughing, sweating, and diarrhea are symptoms of an illness. For some individuals of Mexican-American origin, however, these symptoms are a normal part of living. The nurse recognizes that this is true, probably because Mexican-Americans:

• A. have less efficient immune systems and are often ill.
• B. consider these symptoms a part of normal living, not symptoms of ill health.
• C. come from Mexico where coughing is normal and healthy.
• D. are usually in a lower socioeconomic group and are more likely to be sick.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In Mexican-American culture, coughing, sweating, and diarrhea are often considered normal bodily functions and not necessarily indicative of illness. This cultural perspective shapes their understanding of health and illness, leading them to view these symptoms differently than the majority culture in America. Choice A is incorrect because it generalizes Mexican-Americans as having less efficient immune systems, which is not supported by evidence. Choice C is incorrect as it oversimplifies by attributing the perception solely to coming from Mexico. Choice D is incorrect as it makes unwarranted assumptions about the socioeconomic status and health status of Mexican-Americans.

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