Final answer:
A contrast question in a cultural assessment might be "How different is this problem from the one you had previously?", highlighting changes over time which can inform diagnosis and treatment. It assists in understanding cultural definitions of health and illness and helps address social inequalities in healthcare.
Step-by-step explanation:
A nurse preparing to perform a cultural assessment of a patient may ask various questions to better understand the patient's cultural background and its impact on their health. Among the options provided, the example of a contrast question is "How different is this problem from the one you had previously?" This type of question is aimed at identifying differences or changes in the patient's condition over time, which can be important for diagnosis and treatment planning.
Contrast questions are valuable in a cultural assessment as they can reveal how patients perceive their health issues in the context of their cultural definitions of health and illness. Understanding these perspectives is crucial for healthcare providers as it helps in developing culturally appropriate care plans and improving patient outcomes. Medical anthropologists balance objective and subjective understandings by taking into account personal experiences and societal influences on health, such as social inequalities and their effects on disease spread and health outcomes.