A nurse is caring for an African-American child recently admitted to the hospital. The nurse should be aware of which broad cultural characteristics for this child when planning care (Select all that apply)?

Question

a. Silence may indicate a lack of trust.
b. Maintaining constant eye contact may be viewed as aggressive.
c. Self-care and folk medicine do not play a role in health care.
d. Illness may be seen as the "will of God."
e. No importance is attached to nonverbal behavior.

Answer 1

ANS: A, B, D
A nurse should be aware of the African-American broad cultural characteristics, which include the following: initial eye contact shows respect; maintaining eye contact can be viewed as aggressive, silence may indicate a lack of trust, and illness may be seen as the "will of God." Self-care and folk medicine are prevalent in this culture, and importance is placed on nonverbal behavior.