Question

A muslim-arab female client is in the clinic for a gynecologic procedure. The client does not directly look at the nurse or physician in the eye when speaking. What does the nurse interpret this behavior to mean?

A. The client does not trust the caregivers
B. The client is demonstrating modesty
C. The client believes she has a sexually transmitted infection
D. The client has been sexually abused.

Answer 1

The nurse should interpret a Muslim-Arab female client's behavior of not making eye contact as an expression of modesty, respecting cultural norms around interactions with the opposite sex.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a Muslim-Arab female client does not directly look at the nurse or physician in the eye when speaking, the nurse may interpret this behavior as the client demonstrating modesty. In some cultures, direct eye contact with members of the opposite sex can be seen as inappropriate, and it's a form of respectful behavior to avoid such eye contact. This practice can be more pronounced in healthcare settings, especially during gynecologic examinations, where issues of modesty and privacy are particularly sensitive.

It is important not to jump to conclusions such as mistrust, sexually transmitted infection concerns, or a history of sexual abuse based solely on eye contact behavior without further cultural understanding or communication with the client.