Question

A nurse is teaching an in-service for new nurses on the importance of cultural sensitivity when caring for patients. Which of the following statements is incorrect?

a)Ethnic diversity of health-care staff plays little role in the reduction of health-care inequalities.
b)Translators should always be used when a patient does not speak English as a primary language.
c)Nurses and other health-care workers may often display discriminatory behavior without realizing it.
d)Nurses must always work as patient advocates to make sure that the patient is receiving culturally sensitive care.

Answer 1

The incorrect statement is that ethnic diversity among health-care staff has little impact on reducing healthcare inequalities. Cultural sensitivity and ethnic diversity within the healthcare workforce are crucial for addressing health disparities and providing equitable care, especially for historically marginalized groups like African Americans.

Step-by-step explanation:

The incorrect statement is: a) Ethnic diversity of health-care staff plays little role in the reduction of health-care inequalities. Studies and experiences demonstrate a significant role for ethnic diversity among health-care staff in reducing healthcare inequalities. Through a broad range of methodological approaches and cultural sensitivity, healthcare professionals can provide more equitable care. This is particularly important for African Americans (AA), who historically suffer from greater health disparities. The cultural sensitivity of the healthcare staff is imperative for adequately addressing and overcoming barriers such as racial and cultural barriers, provider stereotyping, and communication difficulties.

As healthcare providers, there is a responsibility to educate patients on behaviors that put them at risk for diseases like HIV, while respecting their cultural and moral values. Promotion of one's moral agenda is not ethical, but advocating for practical disease prevention is essential and should be done with respect to personal views. To do this effectively, healthcare workers must possess both objectivity and subjectivity and utilize culturally specific research and education tools.