Nursing Elites

1. The nurse is caring for a Native American patient who has traditional beliefs about health and illness. Which action by the nurse is most appropriate?

• A. Avoid asking questions unless the patient initiates the conversation.
• B. Ask the patient whether it is important that cultural healers are contacted.
• C. Explain the usual hospital routines for meal times, care, and family visits.
• D. Obtain further information about the patient's cultural beliefs from a family member.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When caring for a patient with traditional health beliefs, it is essential to respect and address their cultural practices. Asking the patient whether it is important to involve cultural healers, such as a shaman, aligns with providing culturally sensitive care. Avoiding asking questions unless initiated by the patient may hinder effective communication and understanding of the patient's needs. Consulting a family member for cultural beliefs assumes that all family members share the same beliefs, which may not be accurate. Additionally, the patient's personal beliefs should be prioritized over family input. Explaining hospital routines without considering the patient's cultural preferences may lead to a lack of patient-centered care. Therefore, the most appropriate action is to inquire about the patient's preference regarding cultural healers.

2. A client who is newly diagnosed with multiple sclerosis is obviously upset and asks, 'Am I going to die?' Which response would the nurse make?

• A. Most individuals with your disease live a normal life span.
• B. Is your family here? I would like to explain your disease to all of you.
• C. The prognosis varies, as most individuals have remissions and exacerbations.
• D. Why don't you speak with your health care provider to get more details?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The most appropriate response to the client's question regarding their prognosis is to acknowledge the variable nature of multiple sclerosis by stating that 'The prognosis varies, as most individuals have remissions and exacerbations.' This response provides realistic information while offering some hope. Choice A ('Most individuals with your disease live a normal life span.') gives false reassurance as repeated exacerbations may affect life span. Choice B ('Is your family here? I would like to explain your disease to all of you.') does not directly address the client's question and involves the family unnecessarily. Choice D ('Why don't you speak with your health care provider to get more details?') deflects the responsibility and does not address the client's immediate concerns about their prognosis.

3. A client at a local university claims to be the president of the university. Which type of delusion is the client displaying?

• A. Somatic
• B. Grandiose
• C. Erotomanic
• D. Persecutory

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Grandiose.' This type of delusion involves an exaggerated sense of self-importance, where the individual believes they are a prominent figure or possess special abilities. In this scenario, the client claiming to be the president of the university is displaying grandiose delusions. Somatic delusions relate to bodily functions or sensations, which are not present in this case. Erotomanic delusions involve the fixed belief that another person is in love with the individual, which is not applicable here. Persecutory delusions involve the belief that one is being targeted or conspired against, which is also not demonstrated in the given situation.

4. A daughter of a Chinese-speaking client approaches the nurse and asks multiple questions while maintaining direct eye contact. Which culturally related concept would the daughter's behavior reflect?

• A. Prejudice
• B. Stereotyping
• C. Assimilation
• D. Ethnocentrism

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is assimilation. Assimilation involves incorporating the behaviors of a dominant culture. In this scenario, maintaining eye contact is characteristic of the American or Canadian culture and not of Asian cultures. Prejudice is a negative belief about another person or group and does not characterize this behavior. Stereotyping is the perception that all members of a group are alike, which is not demonstrated by the daughter's behavior. Ethnocentrism is the perception that one's beliefs are superior to those of others, which is not evident in this situation.

5. A staff nurse expresses frustration that a Native American patient always has several family members at the bedside. Which action by the charge nurse is most appropriate?

• A. Remind the nurse that family support is important to this family and patient.
• B. Have the nurse explain to the family that too many visitors will tire the patient.
• C. Suggest that the nurse ask family members to leave the room during patient care.
• D. Ask about the nurse's personal beliefs about family support during hospitalization.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The first step in providing culturally competent care is to understand one's own beliefs and values related to health and health care. Asking the nurse about personal beliefs will help achieve this step. Reminding the nurse that this cultural practice is important to the family and patient will not decrease the nurse's frustration. The remaining responses, such as suggesting that the nurse ask family members to leave the room or having the nurse explain to the family that too many visitors will tire the patient, are not culturally appropriate for this patient.

Similar Questions