Cultural and Spiritual Considerations in Nursing Flashcards

A patient with limited English proficiency needs discharge teaching. Who is the most appropriate person to interpret?

Answer: A qualified medical interpreter

Qualified medical interpreters ensure accuracy and confidentiality, while using family members, especially children, is discouraged.

When working with a medical interpreter, which technique should the nurse use?

Answer: Speak directly to the patient using short sentences

Speaking directly to the patient in short segments keeps the focus on the patient and improves the accuracy of interpretation.

A Native American patient avoids eye contact during the admission interview. How should the nurse interpret this behavior?

Answer: Avoiding direct eye contact may be a sign of respect in the patient's culture

In some Native American and Asian cultures, avoiding direct eye contact shows respect rather than evasiveness.

During a health history, a patient pauses for long periods before answering. What should the nurse do?

Answer: Allow the silence and wait for the patient to respond

In many cultures, silence shows thoughtfulness and respect, so the nurse should give the patient time to respond.

A nurse caring for a Southeast Asian child plans to check for fever. Which action should the nurse avoid without first asking permission?

Answer: Patting the child on the head

In some Southeast Asian cultures the head is considered sacred, so touching it without permission may be offensive.

Which method best confirms that a patient with limited English proficiency understands insulin teaching?

Answer: Use teach-back through a qualified interpreter

Teach-back through a qualified interpreter checks real understanding rather than polite agreement.

Which federal law requires facilities that receive federal funding to provide language assistance to patients with limited English proficiency?

Answer: Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964

Title VI prohibits discrimination based on national origin, which includes failing to provide meaningful language access.