NZREX Cultural Safety & Māori Health

Question 1

Who developed the concept of cultural safety (kawa whakaruruhau) in New Zealand nursing?

Accepted Answer

Irihapeti Ramsden

Answer

Mason Durie

Answer

Sir Tipene O'Regan

Answer

Rangi Matamua

Question 2

Which of the following best defines 'cultural safety' in the NZ health context?

Accepted Answer

An environment where patients feel respected and safe to share their culture, as determined by the patient

Answer

The same as cultural competence — knowing facts about different cultures

Answer

Providing culturally themed decorations in clinical settings

Answer

Asking every patient about their ethnicity at triage

Question 3

What does the concept of 'whanaungatanga' mean and how is it relevant to clinical care?

Accepted Answer

Relationships and kinship — relevant because Māori patients often prefer whānau involvement in health decisions

Answer

A traditional Māori healing ceremony

Answer

A Māori health assessment tool

Answer

The concept of spiritual wellbeing in Māori health

Question 4

A Māori patient is dying in hospital. The whānau requests that the patient not be left alone and that karakia (prayer/incantation) be performed. What is the most appropriate response?

Accepted Answer

Accommodate these requests as much as possible and involve the Māori health team or kaiāwhina

Answer

Explain that hospital rules prevent this

Answer

Allow only one visitor at a time as per standard policy

Answer

Decline as it may upset other patients

Question 5

Which of the following health disparities is most accurately documented for Māori compared to non-Māori in New Zealand?

Accepted Answer

Māori have significantly lower life expectancy, higher rates of chronic disease, and poorer access to primary care

Answer

Māori have better mental health outcomes but worse cardiovascular outcomes only

Answer

Health outcomes for Māori are now equivalent to non-Māori

Answer

Māori have higher vaccination rates than non-Māori

Question 6

When documenting ethnicity in a NZ clinical consultation, which approach is recommended?

Accepted Answer

Ask the patient to self-identify their ethnicity using the Statistics NZ priority coding — do not assume

Answer

Record ethnicity based on the clinician's observation of appearance

Answer

Leave the field blank if unsure

Answer

Only document ethnicity for Māori and Pacific patients