Question

The home health nurse has been assigned to provide care for a patient with cultural values that differ from the nurse's. What is the best action for the nurse to take?

1) Ask for an assignment change to allow a colleague who has cultural values more in line with those of the patient to be assigned
2) Accept the assignment and prove the patient with information on the values of the nurse to facilitate communication
3) Take time to consider the differences between the values held and those of the assigned patient
4) Research the culture of the assigned patient
5) Review past experiences with cultural dilemmas

Answer 1

The best action for a nurse assigned to care for a patient with differing cultural values is to research the patient's culture. This shows respect and aids in providing culturally sensitive care while advocating for disease prevention without imposing personal values.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a nurse to take care of a patient whose cultural values differ from the nurse's own, the most professional and ethically responsible approach is to research the culture of the assigned patient (option 4). Doing so not only equips the nurse with the necessary knowledge to provide culturally sensitive care but also demonstrates respect for the patient's background. It is essential that healthcare professionals advocate for practical disease prevention while respecting the personal views of their patients, promoting an environment of mutual understanding and care.

This approach aligns with care ethics, which emphasizes understanding everyone involved's perspectives, allowing for informed decisions based on compassion and respect rather than a single set of rules or principles. As a healthcare provider, the nurse must set aside personal cultural beliefs to navigate these diverse interactions and provide objective, culturally informed care which may involve collaboration with others from different social or cultural groups.