Cultural Considerations in Gerontological Practice Flashcards

An 82-year-old Muslim resident with type 2 diabetes wishes to fast during Ramadan. What is the RDN's most appropriate first step?

Answer: Assess his risk with the medical team and discuss safe fasting options, including religious exemptions

Fasting safety is assessed individually with the medical team, and Islam exempts people who are ill or frail, which can be discussed respectfully.

Which approach best shows cultural humility when assessing an older adult's diet?

Answer: Asking open-ended questions about the foods, meals, and traditions the client values

Cultural humility means lifelong self-reflection and learning from each person instead of assuming you already know their culture.

An older Orthodox Jewish client in a hospital needs a therapeutic diet. Which accommodation is most appropriate?

Answer: Providing certified kosher meals, such as sealed double-wrapped trays, that meet the diet order

Strict kosher observance requires certified preparation and keeping meat and dairy separate, which sealed certified meals provide.

Which traditional Hispanic food pattern is most important to address for an older adult with hypertension?

Answer: High-sodium seasonings, cured meats, and canned ingredients

Sodium from seasoning packets, bouillon, and processed meats is the main modifiable factor for blood pressure in this pattern.

An older Vietnamese client says she uses fish sauce daily. Which recommendation is most culturally appropriate for her heart failure?

Answer: Measure and reduce the amount, try lower-sodium versions, and add flavor with herbs, lime, and garlic

Keeping a valued food while cutting the amount improves adherence and still lowers sodium.

When an older client has limited English proficiency, what is the best practice for a nutrition consultation?

Answer: Use a qualified medical interpreter

Federal standards (Title VI and the CLAS standards) call for qualified interpreters because family interpreters can cause errors and privacy problems.

Which statement about lactose intolerance in older adults is most accurate?

Answer: Lactase persistence is most common among people of Northern European descent

Lactase nonpersistence is the global norm and is highly common among African, Asian, Hispanic, and Native American groups.