The nurse is providing care to an older adult Asian-American client diagnosed with respiratory alkalosis. The nurse states to the client, "look into my eyes and breathe with me so that we can slow down your breathing rate."

Question

The client continues to look down and refuses to make eye contact with the nurse. The client's daughter later asks you to teach her how to help her mother to control her breathing. When documenting this client's care, which statement is appropriate for the nurse to include?
A) "The client is noncompliant with suggested treatment plan."
B) "The client does not understanding the English language."
C) "The client's culture does not allow for direct eye contact with the nurse during care."
D) "The client's daughter may be abusive."

Answer 1

Answer: C

A method that is often used to control breathing for client's experiencing hyperventilation is eye contract with the nurse during breathing exercises. It is not uncommon in the Asian culture for eye contact to be deemed as a sign of disrespect. Documenting this finding in the medical record is appropriate. Saying the client is noncompliant is nontherapeutic and labels the client. There is no indication that the client does not speak English. The client's daughter wishes to help her mother control her breathing. This is not indicative of abuse.