The nurse educator is discussing culture and ethnicity with a group of student nurses. Which student statements indicate appropriate understanding of the material presented?

Question

Select all that apply.
1. "The gene pool in the United States has become less diverse over the past decade."
2. "I have found it easiest to classify individuals with cultural groups by assessing their skin tones and facial features."
3. "When identifying individuals of the same race, they will have shared genetic heritage, biologic and physiologic characteristics."
4. "Ethnic groups share common values over generations."
5. "An individual may self-identify with an ethnic group that is different from the ethnic group of their birth or race."

Answer 1

Correct Answer: 4, 5

The awareness of belonging to a group in which certain characteristics or aspects such as culture and biology differentiate the members of one group from another is the concept of ethnicity. It is defined by a shared interest, heritage, religion, food, politics, or geography and nationality. Inclusion in an ethnic group may be self-directed. An individual may share the viewpoints, geography, and nationality of an ethnic group by personal choice. The United States represents a population of diverse individuals. There has been an increase in blending races. Many individuals now classify themselves as biracial or multiracial. The use of skin tone or facial features is not an acceptable means to determine racial or cultural heritage. This method of assessment and classification is shortsighted and may result in errors. Genetic heritage and biologic and physiologic characteristics may not all be shared between all members of the same race.