An Asian-American patient is referred to the mental health clinic. He has many somatic complaints for which no physical basis has been found
The patient tells the nurse that he does not believe this clinic can help him. Based on knowledge of the beliefs common to this culture, what can the nurse hypothesize about the patient?
a. Because of the cultural stigma attached to mental illness, he may be expressing psychological distress via somatic symptoms.
b. Acculturation has occurred because feelings of hopelessness are alien to his native culture.
c. Suicide is not a present danger because suicidal impulses are rarely associated with feelings of helplessness among Asian-American patients.
d. The patient has rejected both family care and traditional healing methods in favor of health care practices of the new culture.
ANS: A
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 up-on entry into the system; families tend to care for their members with mental illness; and tra-ditional healing has usually been tried and failed before the patient attempts to access the mental health system.
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