Question

You are a nurse working in a Labor & Delivery unit in a small town near an Indian reservation. Cherokee, your patient, is about to give birth to her sixth child. Her family does not have health insurance. Normally, she would give birth at home; however, her blood pressure is high. Her family is doing a dance to scare away evil spirits that brought about this medical condition. She is in a lot of pain but refuses an epidural. She believes that pain is something that should be tolerated. There are about 20 family members present to watch the birth, including her children. After the baby is born, she hand-expresses colostrom from her breasts and disposes of it. Additional family members arrive with all sorts of food to celebrate the birth of the new baby.

Discuss the cultural traits you observe with Cherokee that are specific to her Native American culture. Describe how you would provide culturally sensitive nursing care to Cherokee and her baby.

Answer 1

these people are north american indians. their style, culture, food habits are different from americans. they used to belive christianity. they celebrate first fruit festivals etc. they dance for every happy situation. their appearance is like wearing feathers, red and white costume.

the cherokees care of baby care is different from our style. they follow the traditions. first alike all babies i refer her/his mother to give milk to the baby. avoid contact with relatives for some days because there is chance of opputunistic infections.use sweaters to feel hot. dont let the baby to sleep for long time. give milk from the both sides of breast. we request them to follow their own culture but take special care of baby for some days.