Chapter 5 - Culturally Respectful Care

Cultural assimilation

Minorities living within a dominant group lose the characteristics that made them different; values replaced by those of dominant culture.

Cultural blindness

A lack of awareness of cultural differences.

Cultural competence

The ability to understand, communicate with, and effectively interact with people across cultures.

Cultural diversity

Coexistence of different ethnic, racial, and socioeconomic groups within one social unit.

Cultural humility

An approach to understanding and respecting different cultures without assuming superiority.

Cultural imposition

The belief that everyone should conform to the majority belief system.

Culturally competent

Possessing the skills and knowledge to provide effective care to patients from diverse cultural backgrounds.

Culture shock

The feelings a person experiences when placed in a different culture; may result in psychological discomfort or disturbances.

Ethnicity

A category of people who identify with each other based on shared cultural traits.

Ethnocentrism

The belief that one's own culture is superior to others.

Implicit bias

Attitudes or stereotypes that affect our understanding, actions, and decisions in an unconscious manner.

Stereotyping

Oversimplified and fixed ideas about a group of people.

Subcultures

Large group of people who are members of a larger cultural group but have certain characteristics not common to the larger culture.

Transcultural nursing care

A nursing approach that focuses on understanding and integrating cultural differences in patient care.

Culture

Shared system of beliefs, values, and behavioral expectations that provides social structure for daily living.

Dominant group

The largest group in society that has the most authority to control values and sanctions.

Minority group

A smaller group identified by a physical or cultural characteristic that makes them different from the dominant group.

Cultural conflict

Occurs when people become aware of cultural differences, feel threatened, and act negatively.

Ethnic Group Membership

One can belong to an ethnic group through birth or adoption of characteristics of that group.

Cultural and Social Beliefs

Groups share unique cultural and social beliefs and behavior patterns.

Development of Ethnicity

Largely develops through day-to-day life with family and friends within the community.

Race

Typically based on specific physical characteristics.

Physical Characteristics of Race

Includes skin pigmentation, body stature, facial features, and hair texture.

Reliability of Physical Characteristics

Physical characteristics are no longer considered a reliable way to determine a person's race.

Major Race Categories

Five major categories: American or Alaska Native, Asian, Black or African American, Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander, White.

Culture Conflict

Being aware of cultural differences, feeling threatened, and responding with ridicule to make self feel more secure about their own values.

Cultural Influences on Health Care

Values and beliefs about health, illness, and health care are influenced by cultural, ethical, or religious groups.

Physiologic Variations

Reactions to pain can vary among different cultural groups.

Health Problems in Native Americans

Heart disease, cirrhosis of the liver, diabetes mellitus, fetal alcohol syndrome.

Health Problems in African Americans

Hypertension, stroke, sickle cell anemia, lactose intolerance, keloids.

Health Problems in Asians

Hypertension, cancer of the liver, lactose intolerance, thalassemia.

Health Problems in Hispanics

Diabetes mellitus, lactose intolerance.

Health Problems in Whites

Breast cancer, heart disease, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, obesity.

Health Problems in Eastern European Jews

Cystic fibrosis, Gaucher disease, spinal muscular atrophy, Tay-Sachs disease.

Beliefs regarding traditional or folk healers

Beliefs about treatment options

Culturally Respectful Nursing Care

Ethnocentrism is the belief that one's ideas, beliefs, and practices are the best or superior or are most preferred to those of others.

Cultural assessment

Understanding beliefs, values, traditions, and practices of a culture.

Transcultural nursing

A nursing approach that recognizes and respects cultural differences in health care.

Cultural self-awareness

Developing an understanding of one's own cultural background and how it influences interactions.

Cultural knowledge

Acquiring information about different cultures and their health-related practices.

Culturally based family roles

Roles within families that are defined by cultural beliefs and practices.

Cultural assistance

Seeking help from interpreters or translators to facilitate communication.

Culturally defined health-related needs

Health needs that are shaped by cultural beliefs and practices.

Etiology of illness and disease

Culturally based belief systems regarding the causes of health issues.

Imbalance of hot/cold

A belief in some cultures that health issues arise from an imbalance of these elements.

Punishment for moral transgressions

A belief that health issues can be a result of moral failings.

Divine wrath

A belief that health issues may be a consequence of displeasing a higher power.

Ideal body shape and size

Cultural beliefs about what constitutes an acceptable or desirable body.

Mental disorders

Cultural perceptions and attitudes toward mental health issues.

Culturally respectful care

Treating each person as an individual regardless of preconceived beliefs or practices.

Nursing as a subculture

The health care system is a culture of its own, with nursing being its largest subculture.

Patient-centered questions

Questions that focus on understanding the patient's cultural background and needs.

Culturally sensitive actions

Steps taken to ensure care respects and acknowledges cultural differences.