Nursing Elites

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

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