A novice nurse is working with a preceptor on a medical-surgical unit. After assessment of a patient, the novice nurse states to the preceptor, "This patient has many odd ideas about several common health practices. He seems like a deviant to me." What concept will guide the preceptor's response?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

3. The appropriateness of beliefs and behaviors are judged according to cultural, social, ethical, and legal rules that define the limits of appropriate behavior and reality. Given the cultural, social, ethical, and legal considerations, there is no definition of deviance that covers all clinical situations. The duration of the beliefs and actions in this situation may be irrelevant. Given the lack of a definitive definition of deviant behavior, the statement that beliefs and behaviors are only deviant if the patient thinks they are a problem is an incorrect statement.

A Novice Nurse Is Working with a Preceptor on a Medical-Surgical