Final answer:
The nurse would expect the patient's eldest family member or designated family spokesperson to be the primary decision-maker in the patient's family based on cultural practices and norms.
Step-by-step explanation:
The nurse would expect the patient's eldest family member or designated family spokesperson to be the primary decision-maker in the patient's family. This expectation is based on cultural practices and norms, which may vary among different communities and countries. For example, in many African and Asian cultures, respect for elders and the authority they hold within the family is highly valued. In these cultures, the eldest family member or a designated spokesperson often takes on the responsibility of making important decisions, including healthcare decisions, on behalf of the family.