A nurse is working with a minority group that has a high ...

[maegan_martin]

A nurse is working with a minority group that has a high incidence of cardiovascular disease, including hypertension and stroke. When participating in a community health fair with this group, what action by the nurse will be most effective?
 
  A.
  Educate the participants about weight loss and a low-sodium, low-fat diet.
  B.
  Explain the genetic basis for the high incidence of cardiovascular disease in the group.
  C.
  Help participants make lifestyle changes that are culturally congruent.
  D.
  Present statistics on the mortality and morbidity of cardiovascular disease.

Question 2

A nurse manager in a community clinic is concerned because the local refugee population does not seek health care routinely. What action by the nurse would be most helpful?
 
  A.
  Assess clinic staff and procedures for evidence of ethnocentrism.
  B.
  Put up flyers advertising the clinic's services in local retailers.
  C.
  Reward preventative health patients with coupons for needed items.
  D.
  Try to meet with community leaders to work on the problem.

[Viet Thy]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: C
The ever-increasing culturally diverse population interacting with the health-care system brings its own beliefs, values, and health-related practices that impact health and well-being. In order to help people make healthy lifestyle changes, the changes must be culturally congruent and acceptable. Forcing an incongruent practice makes it highly unlikely to succeed. Education is important, but it must be done in a culturally congruent way. Pathophysiology and statistical knowledge, by itself, is not likely to be beneficial.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A
Ethnocentrism is the view that the beliefs, values, and behaviors of one culture are superior to those of other cultures. Ethnocentrism is dangerous in health care because it is blind to the possibilities of other solutions and viewpoints and alienates people in need of health care. The nurse manager would be wise to assess the clinic's staff and procedures for ethnocentrism. Meeting with a community leader is always a good idea to learn the viewpoints of the community, but unless ethnocentric behaviors change, it is unlikely that the refugee community will increase its use of the clinic. Flyers and incentives may also be helpful in some cases, but not as helpful as reducing the barriers imposed by ethnocentrism.

[maegan_martin]

Great answer, keep it coming

[Sarahjh]

Excellent