Introduction to Cultural Competence and Diversity in Healthcare
Introduction to Cultural Competence and Diversity in Healthcare ( 6 Questions)
A nurse is conducting a health assessment of a client who belongs to a Native American tribe. The nurse notices that the client avoids eye contact during the interview. How should the nurse interpret this behavior?
The client is being disrespectful or dishonest - This is a misinterpretation of the client's behavior based on the nurse's own cultural bias. In some cultures, such as Western, maintaining eye contact is expected and valued as a sign of respect or honesty.
The client is experiencing anxiety or fear - This may be true in some cases, but it should not be assumed without further assessment or evidence. The nurse should not project their own feelings or assumptions onto the client.
The nurse should be aware that different cultures have different norms and expectations regarding eye contact. In some cultures, such as Native American, avoiding eye contact is a sign of respect or deference, especially when interacting with someone of higher status or authority.
The client is not interested or engaged - This is another misinterpretation of the client's behavior based on the nurse's own cultural bias. In some cultures, such as Western, eye contact is seen as a sign of interest or engagement, but in other cultures, it may be considered rude or intrusive.
Rationale: The nurse should be aware that different cultures have different norms and expectations regarding eye contact. In some cultures, such as Native American, avoiding eye contact is a sign of respect or deference, especially when interacting with someone of higher status or authority.
Incorrect options:
A) The client is being disrespectful or dishonest - This is a misinterpretation of the client's behavior based on the nurse's own cultural bias. In some cultures, such as Western, maintaining eye contact is expected and valued as a sign of respect or honesty.
B) The client is experiencing anxiety or fear - This may be true in some cases, but it should not be assumed without further assessment or evidence. The nurse should not project their own feelings or assumptions onto the client.
D) The client is not interested or engaged - This is another misinterpretation of the client's behavior based on the nurse's own cultural bias. In some cultures, such as Western, eye contact is seen as a sign of interest or engagement, but in other cultures, it may be considered rude or intrusive.