The nurse is caring for a Chinese patient diagnosed with cancer who is suffering from pain, yet refuses analgesia administration. What type of health disparities is this patient exhibiting?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Health disparities that are avoidable and unacceptable unfortunately occur in healthcare settings and these are the targets of interventions. For example, a disparity in cancer pain management exists between Asians and Whites. This difference is attributable to Asian cultural values and attitudes related to cancer pain and pain medication distinguished from the cultural values of Whites. The disparity is avoidable if Asian cancer patients are adequately educated and instructed on cancer pain management strategies including pain medication and complementary and alternative medicine. Also, this disparity is unacceptable because this gives an unnecessary burden of pain to Asian cancer patients that could be easily managed by using existing strategies.

The Nurse Is Caring for a Chinese Patient Diagnosed with Cancer