Before examining the infant of a Mexican American mother, the nurse compliments the child's outfit. The mother becomes visibly distressed. What is the best next action for the nurse to take?

Question

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In Latin American culture, an illness called "mal de ojo" ("evil eye") is believed to be caused when a stranger or someone perceived as powerful admires or compliments a child. The "illness," or "curse," is usually manifested by vomiting, fever, and crying. The mal de ojo curse can be broken if the admirer touches the child while speaking to the child or immediately afterward (Option A). Mexican American mothers may worry when strangers compliment their babies without touching them. To protect against mal de ojo, the child may wear charms or beaded bracelets. If a child is believed to be afflicted with mal de ojo, the parents may consult a traditional healer, or curandero, who may perform rituals meant to cure the child of the curse. (Option B) Asking the mother about the reason for bringing the child to the clinic will not relieve the mother's distress. (Option C) This response is nontherapeutic and dismissive, and indicates the nurse's lack of cultural awareness. (Option D) Postponing the examination does not address the cause of the mother's distress. Educational objective: Many Latin Americans believe in "mal de ojo," or "evil eye," a cultural belief in an illness thought to be manifested in children by vomiting, fever, and crying. It is believed to be caused when a stranger admires a child without touching the child at the same time or immediately afterward.

Before Examining the Infant of a Mexican American Mother, the Nurse