Racial Disparities & Black American Culture

Flashcards based on key vocabulary and concepts related to racial disparities and Black American culture in health care.

Tuskegee Syphilis Study

A study conducted from 1932 to 1972 that involved 399 men to observe the progression of syphilis without treatment.

HeLa cells

Cancer cells taken from Henrietta Lacks, used in medical research.

Cyanosis

A bluish discoloration of the skin due to low oxygen levels.

Pallor

An absence of underlying red tones in the skin.

Erythema

Inflammation detected by palpation, characterized by redness of the skin.

Ecchymosis

A term for a discoloration of the skin resulting from bleeding underneath, often referred to as a bruise.

Jaundice

A yellowing of the skin and eyes due to high bilirubin levels.

Heart disease

The leading cause of death in the United States, associated with various risk factors.

Cancer

The second leading cause of death, notable for its various forms affecting different populations.

Unintentional injuries

The third leading cause of death, comprising accidents and other non-deliberate harm.

Chronic lower respiratory diseases

A category of diseases that affect the airways and other structures of the lungs.

Alzheimer’s disease

A brain disorder that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills.

Suicide

The act of intentionally causing one's own death, a public health concern.

Implicit bias

Attitudes or stereotypes that affect our understanding, actions, and decisions unconsciously.

Microaggressions

Everyday, subtle, unintentional, and oftentimes dismissive interactions that can be harmful.

Cultural humility

An approach to understanding and addressing the differences between cultures in a respectful and open manner.

Health equity

The principle that everyone should have a fair opportunity to attain their highest level of health.

Social determinants of health

Conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work, and age that affect health outcomes.

Structural racism

The system of policies and practices entrenched in established institutions that result in inequitable outcomes for different racial groups.

Lactose intolerance

The inability to digest lactose, affecting approximately 75% of the population.

Sickle Cell Anemia

A genetic blood disorder characterized by the production of abnormal hemoglobin.

Barriers to health care

Factors that prevent individuals from accessing health services, including economic, geographic, and social obstacles.

Health literacy

The degree to which individuals can obtain, process, and understand basic health information.

Economic disparities

Differences in economic conditions that can limit access to health care.

Death rituals

Culturally specific behaviors related to the observance of death.

DNR/DNI orders

Do Not Resuscitate/Do Not Intubate orders indicating a desire to forgo resuscitation efforts.

Underrepresentation of minorities

A lack of sufficient representation of racial and ethnic minorities in the health profession.

Patient-clinician communication

The interaction between patients and health care providers, crucial for effective treatment.

Public health

The science of protecting and improving the health of people and their communities.

Community-engaged research

Research that involves community members in the planning and execution of studies impacting their health.

Shared decision making

An approach where patients and providers work together to make informed decisions about health care.

Culturally grounded care

Healthcare that respects and incorporates the cultural identities of patients.

Trustworthiness

The quality of being able to be relied on as honest or truthful, especially in healthcare interactions.

Quality improvement

Ongoing efforts to improve services, manufacturing, processes, or products through incremental improvements.

Accountability models

Structures that hold individuals or organizations responsible for their actions and decisions.

Cultural constructs

Ideas and practices that are defined by a particular culture, affecting perceptions and actions.

Therapeutic relationships

The professional relationship between the nurse and patient that aims to promote healing.

Federal standards for health data

Established guidelines for collecting and reporting health data to ensure consistency and accuracy.

Risk factors

Conditions or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing a disease or injury.

CVAs

Cerebrovascular accidents, commonly referred to as strokes.

Antihypertensives

Medications used to treat high blood pressure.

Congenital syphilis

Syphilis passed from mother to child during pregnancy or childbirth.

Misunderstandings in communication

Failures in conveying information that can lead to negative health outcomes.

Representation in health care

The presence and participation of diverse racial and ethnic groups in health professions.