The African-American client had a myocardial infarction and is receiving atorvastatin (Lipitor). The nurse caring for the client is Caucasian. The nurse assesses the client's diet to be very high in fat

Question

What is the best plan by the nurse to improve the client's diet and reduce the risk for additional medications? 1. With the client's permission, ask an African American nurse to speak to him about a low fat diet
2. Ask the physician for a consult by dietary services so a dietician can teach the client about low fat diets
3. With the client's permission, discuss his diet with whoever prepares meals for his family
4. Give the client information specific to African Americans about low fat diets

Answer 1

3. With the client's permission, plan to discuss his diet with whomever prepares meals for his family

Rationale:
Every culture has culture-specific diets; the nurse must include the person in the family who does the meal preparation if a different diet is to be successful. Asking the client about having an African-American nurse speak to him is racist and implies that a Caucasian nurse cannot understand the dietary needs of an African-American client. At this point, a consult by dietary services is premature. Providing information is a good idea, but the nurse must also teach the client.