The nurse places a client, of Islamic descent, in a treatment room of the emergency department for treatment of abdominal pain and vaginal bleeding. The spouse, speaking for the client, asks that only a female provider examine his wife for the pelvic exam

Question

Which is the most culturally-appropriate statement by the nurse?
A) "Your spouse will be covered with a sheet so it will not matter whether the examiner is male or female."
B) "The male and female providers both respect privacy."
C) "The request is unreasonable and cannot be honored."
D) "Every attempt will be made to honor your request."

Answer 1

Answer: D

Many cultures have religious beliefs that prohibit examination by men of the reproductive areas of a female. To provide culturally appropriate care, the nurse must recognize this as a legitimate request and make every attempt to honor this request. Although both male and female staff have professional and ethical responsibilities to respect a client's privacy, the nurse must still make efforts to meet the request of the client. The response of covering the client or stating the request is unreasonable shows insensitivity to the client's cultural need.