Question

You are a nurse working in a Children's Hospital and caring for a 4-year-old girl who is recovering from Influenza type B and pneumonia. She speaks a little English. Her family has recently moved here from Korea, and her parents speak very little English. Although they are grateful for the help they are receiving, they are very stressed about their daughter's situation and are resistant to any care being given their daughter. Linking the following questions to the concept of culture and diversity with the concept of communication: 1. How might the nurse assess this family's values and beliefs considering the family's inability to speak English? 2. How might involvement of an interpreter to facilitate communication impact the client and her family's values and beliefs and how can you overcome this problem? 3. How can you respect your patient's culture and values while caring for them by following the recommended plan of care?

Answer 1

1.The best way to assess is by using the neuropsychological assessment. Here the patient and the family reactions or responses can be observed in regards to the line of treatment provided. Simple facial expressions and body language can help a nurse to assess whether they accept or refuse a care,identifying what type of support service so they need in these type of situation in regards to their cultural believes and practices.

2.This can impact in the following way

• The patient may become anxious when a stranger comes in and trying to talk
• This can create a sense of doubts to the family members whether the interpreter will translateas exactly as they talk
• Parental discomfort to tell the most confidential details of th er or child to interpreter who is from a non medical professional.
• This can be easily tackled by creating a trusting therapeutic relationship,soft conversations, checking with them again what they conveyed by the interpreter .The nurse should be present during g the time of need.

3.They can be respected in the following way

• By explaining all the treatment regimen ,make them understand and get consent to proceed.
• Treat them with dignity and courtesy
• Provide them opportunities to come out with their problems even when language forms a barrier
• Do not argue with the parents nor force the when they don't understand what is explained.