Question

The nurse is caring for an Asian American patient in an inpatient mental health unit. The older sibling of the patient tells the nurse, 'My sister needs help for pain. She cries from the hurt.' Which understanding by the nurse will contribute to culturally competent care for this patient?

1) Persons of an Asian American heritage will probably respond best to a therapist who is impersonal
2) Persons of an Asian American heritage should be given direct information about the diagnosis and prognosis
3) Persons of an Asian American heritage will require prolonged treatment to stabilize these symptoms
4) Persons of an Asian American heritage often express emotional distress with physical symptoms

Answer 1

The nurse should understand that Asian American patients may communicate emotional distress as physical symptoms due to cultural concepts of distress. Recognizing this cultural nuance, building cross-cultural understanding, and avoiding stereotypes are crucial in delivering culturally competent care.

Step-by-step explanation:

In providing culturally competent care for an Asian American patient expressing emotional distress through physical pain, it's important for the nurse to recognize that cultural concepts of distress (CCD) are particularly significant. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), CCD refers to the ways in which different cultural groups experience, understand, and communicate their suffering. In many Asian cultures, emotional pain is often manifested through physical symptoms—a phenomenon that is a part of the broader understanding of culture-bound syndromes, where mental distress can be presented as physical ailments. The nurse should acknowledge this cultural nuance and provide care that respects the patient's cultural background, ensuring effective communication and empathetic support.

Moreover, there is a need for the healthcare provider to be mindful of potential cultural barriers and stereotypes that could affect the patient's treatment. The concept of minor feelings from the word han, as discussed in Asian American communities, includes feelings like anger and shame, and can play a role in how pain is communicated. To address these cultural nuances successfully, healthcare professionals should engage in cross-cultural community building, and consider forming coalitions to better understand shared experiences and provide holistic care to their patients, transcending cultural divides and promoting inclusive health practices.