MR, a 23-year-old Native American male

May 2012, Alice Randall wrote an article for The New York Times on the cultural factors that encouraged black women to maintain a weight above what is considered healthy. Randall explained—from her observations and her personal experience as a black woman—that many African-American communities and cultures consider women who are overweight to be more beautiful and desirable than women at a healthier weight. As she put it, “Many black women are fat because we want to be” (Randall, 2012).

Randall’s statements sparked a great deal of controversy and debate; however, they emphasize an underlying reality in the healthcare field: different populations, cultures, and groups have diverse beliefs and practices that impact their health. Nurses and healthcare professionals should be aware of this reality and adapt their health assessment techniques and recommendations to accommodate diversity.

CASE STUDY 3

MR, a 23-year-old Native American male comes in to see you because he has been having anxiety and wants something to help him. He has been smoking “pot” and says he drinks to help himself too. He tells you he is afraid that he will not get into heaven if he continues in this lifestyle. He is not taking any prescriptions medications and denies drug use. He has a positive family history of diabetes, hypertension, and alcoholism.

In this Discussion, you will consider different socioeconomic, spiritual, lifestyle, and other cultural factors that should be taken into considerations when building a health history for patients with diverse backgrounds. Your Instructor will assign a case study to you for this Discussion.

RESOURCES

Be sure to review the Learning Resources before completing this activity.
Click the weekly resources link to access the resources.

WEEKLY RESOURCES

To prepare:

Reflect on your experiences as a nurse and on the information provided in this week’s Learning Resources on diversity issues in health assessments.
By Day 1 of this week, you will be assigned a case study by your Instructor. Note: Please see the “Course Announcements” section of the classroom for your case study assignment.
Reflect on the specific socioeconomic, spiritual, lifestyle, and other cultural factors related to the health of the patient assigned to you.
Consider how you would build a health history for the patient. What questions would you ask, and how would you frame them to be sensitive to the patient’s background, lifestyle, and culture? Develop five targeted questions you would ask the patient to build his or her health history and to assess his or her health risks.
Think about the challenges associated with communicating with patients from a variety of specific populations. What strategies can you as a nurse employ to be sensitive to different cultural factors while gathering the pertinent information?
BY DAY 3 OF WEEK 2
Post an explanation of the specific socioeconomic, spiritual, lifestyle, and other cultural factors associated with the patient you were assigned. Explain the issues that you would need to be sensitive to when interacting with the patient, and why. Provide at least five targeted questions you would ask the patient to build his or her health history and to assess his or her health risks.

Note: For this Discussion, you are required to complete your initial post before you will be able to view and respond to your colleagues’ postings. Begin by clicking on the Reply button to complete your initial post. Remember, once you click on Post Reply, you cannot delete or edit your own posts and you cannot post anonymously. Please check your post carefully before clicking on Post Reply!

Read a selection of your colleagues’ responses.

BY DAY 6 OF WEEK 2
Respond on or before Day 6 on 2 different days to at least two of your colleagues who were assigned a different patient than you. Critique your colleague’s targeted questions, and explain how the patient might interpret these questions. Explain whether any of the questions would apply to your patient, and why
____________________

Case Study:

Patient: MR, a 23-year-old Native American male with anxiety, substance use, and concerns about his spiritual well-being. Positive family history of diabetes, hypertension, and alcoholism.

Factors to consider:

Socioeconomic Factors:

Employment status and income level: Assess MR’s employment situation and financial resources as they may influence his access to healthcare and ability to afford medications or treatments.
Education level: Consider MR’s educational background as it can impact his health literacy and understanding of health-related information.
Spiritual Factors:

Cultural beliefs and practices: Explore MR’s Native American background and any spiritual or religious beliefs that may influence his health behaviors and decision-making.
Concerns about heaven and afterlife: Acknowledge MR’s worries about his spiritual well-being and how they may affect his mental health and overall lifestyle.
Lifestyle Factors:

Substance use: Inquire about the frequency, quantity, and duration of MR’s marijuana and alcohol use to assess the extent of his substance abuse.
Diet and exercise: Gather information about MR’s eating habits and physical activity levels to evaluate his risk for conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and obesity.
Cultural Factors:

Native American traditions and practices: Show respect and cultural sensitivity when discussing MR’s cultural background, acknowledging the influence it may have on his health beliefs and behaviors.
Traditional healing practices: Inquire about any traditional healing methods or remedies that MR may utilize alongside conventional medical treatments.
Targeted Questions:

Can you tell me about your Native American heritage and any cultural practices or beliefs that are important to you and may impact your health?
How often do you use marijuana and alcohol? Have you noticed any negative effects on your physical or mental well-being as a result?
Are there any specific concerns or beliefs you have about your spiritual well-being? How do these concerns affect your daily life and decision-making?
Could you describe your typical diet and exercise routine? Do you have any preferences or restrictions based on your cultural background?
Are there any traditional healing methods or remedies that you use or are interested in exploring alongside conventional medical treatments?
Remember, it’s essential to approach each patient with empathy, cultural sensitivity, and respect. By asking open-ended questions and actively listening to the patient’s responses, you can establish trust and gather the necessary information to provide patient-centered care.