An Asian-American client is referred to the mental health clinic. He has many somatic complaints for which no physical basis has been found. The client tells the nurse that he does not believe this clinic can help him

Question

Based on knowledge of the beliefs common to this culture, what can the nurse hypothesize about the client?
1. Because of the cultural stigma attached to mental illness, he may be expressing psychological distress via somatic symptoms.
2. Acculturation has occurred because feelings of hopelessness are alien to his native culture.
3. Suicide is not a present danger because suicidal impulses are rarely associated with feelings of helplessness among Asian-American clients.
4. The client has rejected both family care and traditional healing methods in favor of health care practices of the new culture.

Answer 1

ANS: 1
The following facts are known about beliefs commonly held by members of this culture: there is a stigma attached to mental illness; mental illness is often described in somatic terms; members of this culture come into treatment late and often have feelings of hopelessness upon entry into the system; families tend to care for their members with mental illness; traditional healing has usually been tried and failed before the client attempts to access the mental health system. Option 1, then, is the best hypothesis.