The nurse is caring for a Native American patient who has traditional beliefs about health and illness. Which action by nurse is most appropriate?
a. Avoid asking questions unless the patient initiates the conversation.
b. Ask the patient whether it is important that cultural healers are contacted.
c. Explain the usual hospital routines for meal times, care, and family visits.
d. Obtain further information about the patient's cultural beliefs from a family member.
ANS: B
Because the patient has traditional health care beliefs, it is appropriate for the nurse to ask whether the patient would like a visit by a shaman or other cultural healer. There is no cultural reason for the nurse to avoid asking the patient questions because they are necessary to obtain health information. The patient (rather than the family) should be consulted about personal cultural beliefs. The hospital routines for meals, care, and visits should be adapted to the patient's preferences rather than expecting the patient to adapt to the hospital schedule.
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