Final answer:
The nurse's action is referred to as culture brokering, combining respect for the mother's cultural practices with advocacy for medical evidence-based treatments like antibiotics.
Step-by-step explanation:
The nurse is demonstrating culture brokering, which involves advocating for the patient's cultural practices while also suggesting the integration of biomedical treatments like antibiotics. This approach respects the Mexican American mother's cultural practice of using special candles for her daughter's ear infection and simultaneously encourages evidence-based medical treatment.
In the context of healthcare, cultural awareness refers to the knowledge health professionals have about different cultures and the way these cultures perceive health, illness, and healthcare practices. While accepting the mother's use of candles, the nurse is also acting as an intermediary to ensure that the daughter receives the complete spectrum of effective healthcare, which may include the use of antibiotics.
Through the practice of culture brokering, the nurse acknowledges the importance of cultural values and beliefs while promoting treatments that are supported by medical evidence. This can help bridge the gap between traditional and biomedical practices, ensuring the patient's well-being within the context of cultural sensitivity.