The nurse is caring for a patient from a culture that is unfamiliar. The patient nodded her head "yes" when asked if she will take her prescriptions as ordered, but the nurse discovers the patient does not take the medication,
but uses herbs for treatment. What action by the nurse is best?
a.
Warn the patient of the consequences on non-compliance.
b.
Tell the patient how the medication will help the condition.
c.
Ask the patient why herbal preparations are preferred.
d.
Ask the patient to explain the meaning of the herbal products.
ANS: D
Ethnocentrism is the belief that one's cultural beliefs are superior to others. In order to avoid practicing in an ethnocentric manner, the nurse needs to understand the meaning of the herbal preparation to the patient. Warning the patient of bad outcomes will not achieve the desired results if the herbs are culturally important and meaningful to her. Patient education is always important but is not the best answer because it does not allow the nurse to learn from the patient. Asking "why" questions is a communication barrier likely to put the patient on the defensive.
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