Question

A patient who is of Filipino descent is admitted to the hospital. The nurse goes to the room to start intravenous fluids and to perform an admission assessment and finds several family members in the room. Which action by the nurse is appropriate?

a. Ask the family to wait in the hallway until the admission tasks are completed.
b. Determine which family member is the family patriarch and address questions to him.
c. Invite family members to assist with appropriate tasks during the admission process.
d. Provide chairs for family members and ask them to stay seated during the admission.

Answer 1

The nurse should invite family members to assist with appropriate tasks during the admission process, recognizing the important role of family in many cultures, particularly in Filipino society.

Step-by-step explanation:

A patient who is of Filipino descent is admitted to the hospital. When the nurse enters the room to start intravenous fluids and to perform an admission assessment, finding several family members present is an opportunity to acknowledge and respect cultural values. The appropriate action would be c. Invite family members to assist with appropriate tasks during the admission process. This approach fosters an inclusive environment and recognizes the importance of family support to many patients especially those from cultures with strong family ties.

In Filipino culture, like in many collectivist societies family plays a crucial role in healthcare decisions and the caregiving process. Understanding cultural differences and the significance of family and household dynamics is critical in providing patient-centered care. Rather than displacing the family members involving them appropriately can create a supportive environment for the patient and can help the medical team by providing valuable insights into the patient's needs and preferences.