A home health client participates in cultural health practices that the nurse feels may be detrimental to his health. In order to remain attentive to cultural sensitivity and provide appropriate cultural nursing care, the nurse should take which action?

Question

1. Explain the right and wrong of the client's treatment and try to persuade him to follow the scientific perspective.
2. Have the client's physician explain the care to the client in a firm but gentle manner.
3. Validate the client's practices and understand that for this client, it may be beneficial to continue with his preferences.
4. Try to negotiate with the client by exploring his views and then provide relevant scientific information.

Answer 1

Correct Answer: 4
Rationale 1: "Right" and "wrong" terms should be avoided in culturally sensitive areas and where differing views are present.
Rationale 2: The nurse, not the physician, is the caregiver in this situation, so it is the nurse's responsibility to teach and see that the plan of care is carried out.
Rationale 3: If the client's views can lead to harmful behavior or outcomes, then an attempt is made to shift the client's perspectives to the scientific view.
Rationale 4: Negotiation acknowledges that the nurse–client relationship is reciprocal and that different views exist of health, illness, and treatment. During the negotiation process, the client's views are explored and acknowledged, then relevant scientific information is provided.