A nurse with experience caring for patients from a particular culture is admitting a patient from that culture. Which of the following should the nurse do to ensure the patient receives culturally sensitive care? 1) Question the patient regarding variations in rituals to find out why he does not follow the usual cultural beliefs and patterns

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Even though a nurse may be very familiar with the traditions of a culture, it is always important to avoid stereotypes and assumptions. A person may be enmeshed in another culture through marriage, may have chosen not to participate in traditional practices, or may have developed variations in rituals and traditions. Although familiarity with a culture will still be helpful, the nurse must always assess the cultural needs of the individual patient and his family. Asking about traditions and practices will provide a solid foundation on which to build a therapeutic plan of care. The nurse should not plan care based upon previous patients' needs or assume that the patient's desires can be accommodated according to those of the majority of patients from the culture. The nurse should also not question why the patient prefers variations in rituals that differ from the usual cultural beliefs and patterns.

A Nurse with Experience Caring for Patients from a Particular