Which of the following best describes the challenges when providing ca

Which of the following best describes the challenges when providing care to someone from a minority group? (Select all that apply.)

a. Communication, both words and gestures, may be unfamiliar.
b. Few members of the minority group are nurses themselves.
c. Immigrants will soon adapt to the mainstream culture, but in the meantime many are clinging to “the old ways.”
d. So few patients are minority group members that it is difficult to remember how they prefer to receive care.
e. The nurse may have to confront personal values and beliefs.

ESSAYBID ANSWER

ANS: A, B, E
Nurses must understand how patients define health and illness, how their cultural group cures and cares for members, and how the nurse’s personal cultural background influences the way in which care is delivered. The context and process of helping people involves at least two people who often have different cultural orientations and lifestyles. Very few nurses are members of a minority group. Although immigrants may adopt some of the ideas of the mainstream culture, many will continue to use traditional practices and the nurse must be aware and respect these cultural beliefs. Many minority group members represent the patient population who receives care, so nurses must be aware and respect these cultural beliefs.