The nurse is caring for an infant in the clinic during a routine wellness exam. The child is of an African ethnic origin whose parents immigrated to America 6 months ago

Question

The mother explains that she believes that an herbal paste, prepared by the village doctor, is the best way to treat the infant's diaper rash. In providing care to the client, the nurse would: 1. Tell the mother not to use the paste because there is no way to know what the ingredients' scientific effect may be.
2. Ask the mother what the ingredients are in the paste.
3. Give the mother an alternate cream.
4. Explain how herbal ingredients may be harmful to the infant.

Answer 1

2. Ask the mother what the ingredients are in the paste.

Rationale:
To recognize cultural practices, the nurse must acknowledge that use of old and home remedies are part of caregiving practices. Asking the mother what ingredients are in the paste allows the nurse to best evaluate what the mother is using, and then a determination of the benefit or detriment to the infant can be made in a nonjudgmental manner. Telling the mother not to use the paste, giving an alternative, or making a judgment that any herbal ingredient is harmful does not recognize this cultural practice and shows insensitivity on the part of the nurse.