Question 1

While assessing the nutritional status of a client from a non-English speaking culture, the nurse asks about specific food habits. Which aspect of culture is the nurse addressing at this time?

Accepted Answer

Each culture defines its own foodway or the rules and expectations about food habits important to that culture. Food roles refers to foods that are considered staples or secondary food items in the diet. The vital functions of food are seen differently in various cultures beyond the nutritional needs of our body. Certain foods are felt to have properties that can promote wellness, cure disease, or rebalance body systems. Eating etiquette refers to physical behaviors when eating and are culturally dictated.

Question 2

The nurse is invited to a celebration being held within the Latino community. What should the nurse expect to be present at this celebration?

Accepted Answer

Every culture uses food when they celebrate. Depending upon the reason for the celebration, music, games, or alcohol may or may not be included.

Question 3

The nurse observes a female client ask the male spouse if he's eaten before the client opens the containers on a meal tray. What should this observation indicate to the nurse about the client's culture?

Accepted Answer

In some cultures, the men in the family gather at the table and are served first. The women do not eat until the men have left the dining area. Asking if the male spouse has already eaten would indicate that the client should wait until the male eats before opening the containers on the meal tray. There is no cultural determination identified where women eat first. There is no cultural determination that states women need permission to eat or that women should share the food with men.

Question 4

The nurse is caring for a client who shares the same culture as other assigned clients. Which action should the nurse take when addressing this client's nutritional needs?

Accepted Answer

While the nurse might possess general knowledge about traditional cultural practices, it should not be assumed that a patient belongs to any certain cultural group or holds certain cultural beliefs. Asking questions rather than assuming answers is important. The nurse should ask questions regarding food and nutrition in a manner that demonstrates respect and is free from judgment. The nurse should not assume that the client has no particular dietary issues. The client should not be expected to report nutritional preferences.

Question 5

The nurse prepares to provide nutritional education to a client from a different culture. Which action should the nurse take prior to providing this teaching?

Accepted Answer

When preparing nutritional education, the nurse should assess the client's ability to read any printed material and language preference. Asking about dietary practices, foods used or omitted for religious reasons, or foods eaten when unwell would be used when developing the nutritional care plan.

Question 6

During the nutritional assessment, the nurse learns that a client with uncontrollable type 2 diabetes mellitus consumes a boiled wheat mixture soaked with sugar and cinnamon for breakfast every day as part of a cultural preference. What should the nurse suggest to this client?

Accepted Answer

The nurse should assess how often a food is consumed to determine the potential impact of that food. Since the food is eaten daily, the best suggestion is for the item to be made with artificial sweetener to help with the client's blood sugar control. Eating less of the item may not be sufficient for the client's health problem. Eliminating the item would not take the client's cultural needs into consideration. Limiting the item to the weekends also does not take the client's cultural needs into consideration.

Question 7

A client from a different culture reports eating fast food every day for lunch but enjoys traditional foods which the spouse prepares for dinner at home. Which term should the nurse use when documenting this client's eating preferences?

Accepted Answer

Acculturation of dietary practices occurs when eating patterns of immigrants change to resemble those of the host country. Acculturation occurs when a person transitions to a new community, regardless of a geographical change. The acculturation process and the retention of original culture occur independently of one another, meaning even as new beliefs or behaviors are adopted, traditional beliefs and behaviors can be maintained. When acculturation is in the form of retention of traditional culture along with acceptance of some beliefs and behaviors of the new community, it is referred to as integration. When the traditional culture is lost and instead beliefs and behaviors are only those of the new community, it is referred to as assimilation. Places where fresh foods are not offered or are hard to find are called food deserts.

Question 8

The nurse notes that a client from a different culture has gained 15 lbs. over the last 6 months. What should the nurse suspect as the reason for this client's change in weight?

Accepted Answer

In some situations, acculturation can result in a transition from a previously healthy diet to a nutritionally imbalanced and potentially excessive diet. This is what the nurse should consider first as the reason for the client's weight gain. Additional evidence is needed to determine if the client is not acculturating into the community or if culturally acceptable foods are unavailable. There is no evidence to support that the client is depressed.

Question 9

A client form the Mesoamerican culture refuses to eat a specific food when recovering from an infection. What should the nurse consider as the reason for the client's refusal?

Accepted Answer

Traditionally, Mexican Americans believe in the four humors (fluids) of the body (blood, phlegm, yellow and black bile), which are kept in balance through use of heat, cold, moisture, and dryness. Foods are given based on the perceived effect it has on the body, not based on the actual temperature of the food. A hot disorder is treated with a cold and thus balancing food. Patients may refuse foods based on these beliefs. There is not enough information about the food to determine if the food is not acceptable within the client's culture. The amount of the food is not an issue.

Question 10

The nurse visits the home of an African American who is recovering from major surgery. Which food items should indicate to the nurse that the client is implementing specific health beliefs? (Select all that apply.)

Accepted Answer

Some Black Americans may believe certain foods have spiritual and healthful properties. Okra, sassafras, herbal hot toddies, and garlic may be used in the treatment of illness or injury. Sweet potato pie is viewed by some of this culture as being a soul food and not a food with any particular medicinal properties.
Some Black Americans may believe certain foods have spiritual and healthful properties. Okra, sassafras, herbal hot toddies, and garlic may be used in the treatment of illness or injury. Sweet potato pie is viewed by some of this culture as being a soul food and not a food with any particular medicinal properties.
Some Black Americans may believe certain foods have spiritual and healthful properties. Okra, sassafras, herbal hot toddies, and garlic may be used in the treatment of illness or injury. Sweet potato pie is viewed by some of this culture as being a soul food and not a food with any particular medicinal properties.
Some Black Americans may believe certain foods have spiritual and healthful properties. Okra, sassafras, herbal hot toddies, and garlic may be used in the treatment of illness or injury. Sweet potato pie is viewed by some of this culture as being a soul food and not a food with any particular medicinal properties.

Question 11

A client who immigrated from Asia has an elevated blood pressure. Which food item should the nurse ask if the client routinely consumes?

Accepted Answer

In particular, the use of salty foods and condiments, such as soy sauce, may affect blood pressure control because of the influence of high sodium intake on hypertension. Rice, pork, and chicken are not identified as food items that adversely effect blood pressure.

Question 12

A client from an Indian culture documents "extra pepper" on the menu for every meal. For which reason should the nurse realize the client is using this condiment?

Accepted Answer

During cool weather, cooking is done with black pepper to warm the body. During hot weather, Indian clients cook with garlic to induce sweating, an effect felt to cool the body. People within this culture may believe that disease is caused by karma and that bad actions bring about suffering.

Question 13

The nurse learns that a client practices Buddhism. Which question should the nurse include when assessing this client's nutritional practices?

Accepted Answer

Individuals who practice Buddhism commonly abstain from food at night or from noon to sunrise for purposes of purification and self-discipline. Long periods of fasting are not part of the traditions. As a general tenet, Buddhists may not take a life; as a result, they are often lacto-ovo-vegetarian and will not eat pork or meat.

Question 14

A client is a practicing Orthodox Christian. What should the nurse expect the client to document on the menu for a meal on a Friday?

Accepted Answer

Wednesday and Friday are fasting days all year long, avoiding meat and meat products, poultry, fish with a backbone, dairy and products, olive oil, and wine. The menu selection of a salad, potato, and tea would be expected by this client. The other menu choices include meat, poultry, or dairy products that this person would avoid eating on Fridays.

Question 15

A client recovering from a fractured limb practices Islam. What should the nurse expect the client to request during the month of Ramadan?

Accepted Answer

Muslims fast during the month of Ramadan, abstaining from all food and drink between sun-up and sundown. A pre-fast meal, known as suhur, and a meal after sundown, called iftar, are permitted as well as snacks during the night. The client will not eat breakfast and will eat after sundown. There is no requirement for water to wash before eating.

Question 16

The nurse notices that a client who follows a Kosher diet has a hamburger for lunch. Which item should the nurse remove before providing the tray to the client?

Accepted Answer

Individuals who follow a Kosher diet do not eat meat or milk at the same meal. The container of milk should be removed from the tray. The salad, peas and carrots, and orange juice do not need to be removed because of the Kosher diet.

Quiz 12: Cultural Considerations in Nutrition