Comprehensive Cultural Assessment: A Case Study
A cultural assessment is the beginning to developing a plan of care for a patient from a different culture. Determining the ethnicity and cultural beliefs and values of a patient will help guide treatment plans. The patient will likely experience a better outcome if they feel as though their beliefs are respected and the treatment plan is understood and agreed upon by all involved. This paper will briefly discuss the components of a cultural assessment and explore possible nursing diagnoses used in the assessment.
Comprehensive Cultural Assessment Components Many components comprise a cultural assessment. The assessment will most likely include aspects that involve family and communities and how they relate to health beliefs. Once beliefs …show more content…
Some may only speak their native language and require translation services. It is important to determine the common language spoken at home, as well as other languages that may be used. This includes spoken and written communication. Family members should be assessed as well to verify the need for an interpreter (Andrews & Boyle, 2016). Communication extends beyond spoken and written words. Nonverbal cues are often used when language barriers exist. Gestures including pointing, modeling, and nodding can all be used to express needs (Small, et al., 2015). Nonverbal communication can include other actions other than gestures. General appearance is often noted in many cultures, with focus on how the person is dressed and how modest they appear to be. Postures are interpreted differently across cultures. Examples of postures with different meanings include bowing, slouching, and crossed legs while sitting. Eye contact also has many different meanings and may be seen as disrespectful in some cultures while seen as a sign of respect in others …show more content…
This diagnosis could be fairly simple to identify. The most defining characteristic would be speaking in a foreign language and an inability to comprehend what they are being told. The first priority for the nurse is to determine the patient’s native language. Once this has been identified, the nurse would attempt to obtain a translator or similar service. Quietly listening to the patient will allow the nurse to observe nonverbal body language. While observing body language and gestures, it is important to remember that gestures may have different meanings for the patient. The nurse should maintain a calm and inviting environment to decrease any feelings of anxiety the patient may feel
Comprehensive Cultural Assessment Components Many components comprise a cultural assessment. The assessment will most likely include aspects that involve family and communities and how they relate to health beliefs. Once beliefs …show more content…
Some may only speak their native language and require translation services. It is important to determine the common language spoken at home, as well as other languages that may be used. This includes spoken and written communication. Family members should be assessed as well to verify the need for an interpreter (Andrews & Boyle, 2016). Communication extends beyond spoken and written words. Nonverbal cues are often used when language barriers exist. Gestures including pointing, modeling, and nodding can all be used to express needs (Small, et al., 2015). Nonverbal communication can include other actions other than gestures. General appearance is often noted in many cultures, with focus on how the person is dressed and how modest they appear to be. Postures are interpreted differently across cultures. Examples of postures with different meanings include bowing, slouching, and crossed legs while sitting. Eye contact also has many different meanings and may be seen as disrespectful in some cultures while seen as a sign of respect in others …show more content…
This diagnosis could be fairly simple to identify. The most defining characteristic would be speaking in a foreign language and an inability to comprehend what they are being told. The first priority for the nurse is to determine the patient’s native language. Once this has been identified, the nurse would attempt to obtain a translator or similar service. Quietly listening to the patient will allow the nurse to observe nonverbal body language. While observing body language and gestures, it is important to remember that gestures may have different meanings for the patient. The nurse should maintain a calm and inviting environment to decrease any feelings of anxiety the patient may feel