A nurse, newly assigned to a 55-year-old Native American patient diagnosed with major depression, is concerned about the patient's reliance on certain totemic objects for comfort. What should the nurse do in order to address her concern?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

2. Nurses should be deliberative in determining with patients what their needs are rather than assuming on their own that they know or understand their patients' needs. Asking the patient to explain the significance of these objects will help the nurse better understand the patient's beliefs and needs. The nurse who is more objective and more accepting of patients can improve the quality of nurse-patient interactions. The nurse should be aware of her culturally based judgments. The situation, as described, requires collaboration with the patient rather than a consultation about the patient.

A Nurse, Newly Assigned to a 55-Year-Old Native American Patient