Deck 5: Cultural Assessment

Question 1

A nurse can improve cultural awareness with which behavior?

A) Being sensitive to differences between the cultures of the nurse and patient
B) Making generalizations about various ethnic and cultural groups
C) Learning everything about the various cultural groups in the nurse's city
D) Taking a foreign language class

Answer 1

Being sensitive to differences between the cultures of the nurse and patient

Question 2

An Asian woman comes to the clinic with a complaint of back pain. During the history, she tells the nurse that she usually uses acupuncture for her pain. What is the nurse's best response?

A) "When have you used acupuncture, and what effects did it have?"
B) "Acupuncture is good for some problems, but for major illnesses it's best to use medications."
C) "Why did you use acupuncture?"
D) "I have heard that many Asian people use acupuncture."

Answer 2

"When have you used acupuncture, and what effects did it have?"

Question 3

What are the characteristics of one's culture?

A) Color of skin and hair
B) System of beliefs and practices
C) Food preferences
D) Language and religion

Answer 3

System of beliefs and practices

Question 4

Which of the components described below represent the Filipino culture? (Select all that apply.)

A) Tagalog and Cebuano are the primary dialects spoken.
B) Orientation to the past is evident in their respect for elders.
C) The family, rather than the individual, is the unit.
D) Most Filipinos are Catholic.
E) Filipinos like to eat rice with most meals.
F) Sharing is common since interdependence is important.

Question 5

A nurse is caring for a woman who has given birth to a healthy baby. The woman's husband and mother are in the room, and more family members are in the lobby. Which comment by the nurse demonstrates culturally competent care?

A) "We need to take your baby to the nursery now for a physical examination."
B) "Are there any ceremonies or other practices that are important to you at this time?"
C) "We can only allow immediate family in the room with you at this time."
D) "Because breastfeeding is the best way to feed your baby, we'll bring your baby to you when she is hungry."

Question 6

Which nursing behaviors indicate culturally competent care?

A) Recognizing that there are different definitions of health and illness
B) Complying with the stated plan of treatment despite the patient's differing opinion
C) Understanding that there is diversity even among people of the same cultural group
D) Helping patients of different cultures adopt the beliefs and behaviors of the dominant culture

Question 7

A patient tells the nurse that her religion prohibits her from eating food prepared outside of a special kitchen. What is the nurse's appropriate action to meet this patient's needs?

A) Call the dietary department to cancel the patient's meal tray.
B) Tell the patient that her diet must be carefully monitored and prepared at the hospital.
C) Tell the patient that because of her illness, a few changes to her religious requirements will be necessary.
D) Ask the patient to describe the requirements for the special kitchen.

Question 8

Which example below best characterizes a patient's race?

A) The language spoken in the patient's home is Tagalog.
B) The patient's family follows a kosher diet.
C) The patient and his family have blonde hair and fair skin.
D) The patient's grandparents came to the United States from Germany.

Question 9

A Hispanic patient tells an African-American nurse, "You are African-American and can't possibly understand how a person like me feels." What is an appropriate response by the nurse at this time?

A) Find a nurse who is not African-American to interview the patient.
B) Ask the patient, "Why do you think that, since we just met?"
C) Note that the patient is very defensive about being racially different.
D) Encourage the patient to describe what he means by his statement.

Question 10

A male nurse is assigned to the care of a gay male with alcoholism. This sexual orientation is inconsistent with the beliefs of the nurse. What actions, if any, can the nurse take to provide patient-centered care to this patient?

A) No action is necessary at this time.
B) Examine his own feelings about alcoholism and homosexuality.
C) Determine the patient's degree of risk for contracting the human immunodeficiency virus.
D) Discuss homosexuality and alcoholism with the patient.

Question 11

During the first prenatal visit for a 20-year-old Hispanic woman, the nurse assesses the patient's health beliefs and practices. Which questions are appropriate as part of this assessment? (Select all that apply.)

A) You are Hispanic, do you need me to find an interpreter?
B) What is the language that is usually spoken in your home?
C) How do you define health and illness?
D) Which Catholic church do you attend?
E) Do you have specific beliefs or preferences concerning food or food preparation?
F) Do you or the members of your family have certain beliefs and practices surrounding pregnancy and childbirth?

Question 12

A nurse is conducting an assessment of an American Indian woman who has come to the clinic complaining of persistent headaches. The patient tells the nurse that the medicines prescribed by the tribal healer have done "some good." What is the appropriate response of the nurse at this time?

A) "I advise you to stop taking those medicines from the tribal healer."
B) "Perhaps you should increase the frequency of the healer's medicines."
C) "Tell me about these medicines and how often you are using them."
D) "Could your headaches be caused by the healer's medicines?"

Question 13

Which question is most effective in assessing a patient's personal beliefs about health and illness?

A) "What or who do you believe controls your health?"
B) "Do you see your health care provider annually?"
C) "Do you have specific beliefs about health and illness?"
D) "Who makes the health decisions in your family?"

Question 14

Which question is the most appropriate to learn about a patient's religious practices?

A) "How often do you go to church?"
B) "Where is your church located?"
C) "Do you mind telling me about your religion?"
D) "Do you have any specific religious or spiritual practices or beliefs?"