The nurse is providing diabetic diet teaching to a Hispanic man and his wife

Question

When the nurse is discussing foods that are acceptable, the wife continues to interrupt with statements like, "Oh, he doesn't eat that," or, "All he eats is rice and beans." What should the nurse do? a. Ask the wife to leave so he/she can focus on teaching the patient.
b. Explain how "rice and beans" are not acceptable foods on a diabetic diet.
c. Provide a diet plan with only food alternatives selected by the patient.
d. Refer the patient and his wife to a dietitian familiar with Spanish food choices.

Answer 1

D
The nurse should refer the patient to speak with a dietitian who is familiar with cultural food choices. If possible, he/she should develop a diet plan that includes the patient's cultural diet preferences and can provide culturally sensitive teaching brochures that describe healthy food choices. Rice and beans may be acceptable alternatives in a balanced diet. The nurse should include people in the family who help shop for and prepare food in the home, along with the wife.