Culture and Religion Concepts to know for NCLEX, HESI and ATI Exams

Summary

In this video, Professor D covers various cultural considerations in nursing practice. The content explores topics such as the differences between traditional Western medicine and alternative therapies, cultural health issues like lactose intolerance in Asian Americans, and strategies for communicating with non-English-speaking clients. Emphasis is placed on proper cultural sensitivity, including the use of official translators, the importance of understanding cultural practices like cupping, and the impact of religion on health behaviors. This educational video is aimed at nursing students and new grads, providing insights into integrating cultural knowledge into patient care.

Takeaways

• 😀 Western medicine typically focuses on medication administration, while alternative therapies include acupuncture, herbal therapy, and spiritual advising.
• 😀 Lactose intolerance is commonly observed in Asian and Hispanic populations, unlike conditions like hypertension and diabetes, which are more common in other ethnic groups.
• 😀 When communicating with clients who are not fluent in English, using hand gestures and pictures is an effective strategy, rather than speaking louder or using a first name without consent.
• 😀 Acculturation involves adopting a new culture, not identifying with multiple cultures (biculturation), showing favor to the dominant culture (assimilation), or only socializing within one's primary cultural group (enculturation).
• 😀 When a client uses herbal remedies alongside prescribed medication, the nurse's first step should be to ask the client what herbal remedies they are using, ensuring open-ended communication for accurate information.
• 😀 In cultures with more religious influence, such as Muslim cultures, males may not participate in the birthing process, a factor linked to religious practices rather than culture alone.
• 😀 African Americans have a higher incidence of hypertension, while lactose intolerance is more common among Asians and Hispanics, and tuberculosis is prevalent among Native Americans.
• 😀 When assessing a Vietnamese client with reddened areas from cupping, the nurse should first inquire about the practice and assess whether it aligns with cultural healing methods, not immediately reporting it as potential abuse.
• 😀 In Hispanic culture, family members demonstrate love and care by physically staying with the client, with the family taking turns being present during the client's hospitalization.
• 😀 The nurse should always prioritize using an official translator or language line for patients who speak a different language, avoiding family members or coworkers as translators to ensure accurate and sensitive communication.

Q & A

What is the correct contrast between traditional Western medicine and alternative therapies?

Traditional Western medicine primarily uses medical administration (medications), while alternative therapies include practices like acupuncture, herbal therapy, and spiritual advising.

What health condition is commonly associated with the Asian American population?

Lactose intolerance is commonly observed in the Asian American population.

Which communication strategy is most effective for interacting with clients who are not fluent in English?

Incorporating hand gestures and pictures is the most effective communication strategy for clients who are not fluent in English.

What is the process of acculturation?

Acculturation involves adapting to and adopting a new culture, where individuals take on new cultural practices such as language, diet, and social behaviors.

What is the nurse’s first action when a client is using herbal remedies along with prescribed medications?

The nurse should first ask the client to identify what herbal remedies they are using along with their prescribed medications, as this open-ended question encourages better communication.

Which cultural group may have a male relative who regularly declines to observe the birth process due to religious beliefs?

Pakistani culture, particularly due to Islamic and other Middle Eastern religious beliefs, may involve male relatives declining to observe the birth process.

Which ethnic group has a greater incidence of hypertension?

African Americans are more likely to experience higher rates of hypertension compared to other ethnic groups.

What is cupping in traditional Vietnamese medicine, and how should a nurse respond if they observe it in a patient?

Cupping is a traditional Vietnamese healing practice involving the application of heated cups to the skin. If a nurse observes this, they should first assess and inquire about it before making any assumptions about abuse or other issues.

What is the most common way the Hispanic culture expresses family care in a hospital setting?

In Hispanic culture, family care is often expressed through physical presence, such as family members taking turns staying with a client at night.

What should a nurse do when dealing with a patient who speaks a different language and a translator is available?

The nurse should use an official translator, ideally someone from a similar socioeconomic background as the patient, rather than relying on family members or coworkers to avoid miscommunication or discomfort.