The female nurse is examining a Vietnamese male and notes that he will not make eye contact with her during the assessment. The client appears very uncomfortable and is sweating and flushed. Which action by the nurse would be appropriate in this situation?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The client's discomfort and avoidance of eye contact may be due to cultural norms that prohibit or discourage direct eye contact with authority figures or individuals of the opposite sex. Asking the client if he would like a male to perform the examination acknowledges the client's cultural beliefs and preferences and may make him feel more comfortable during the assessment. It is important to respect and accommodate a client's cultural beliefs and practices whenever possible to promote culturally competent care.

The Female Nurse Is Examining a Vietnamese Male and Notes