The nurse is caring for a postpartum client who is African American. T

QUESTION

The nurse is caring for a postpartum client who is African American. The nurse recognizes that an essential component for successful communication when interacting with this client is the use of

a. clergy in treatment plans.
b. only simple language strategies.
c. folk-healing strategies.
d. trust development.

ANSWER:

ANS: D
Although African Americans are represented in every socioeconomic group, approximately one third of them live in poverty. For many, their cultural heritage traces back to slavery and deprivation. This unfortunate legacy colors the expectations of African Americans with health care issues and explains the distrust many African Americans have about the American health care system. African Americans need to experience feeling respected by their caregivers to counteract the sense of powerlessness they feel in health care settings. Establishing trust is essential for successful communication with African American clients. They are more willing to participate in treatment when they feel respected and are treated as treatment partners in their health care. Trust must be established before any interventions, such as consultation with a folk healer or clergy. There is no language barrier mentioned in the question.