NUR 210 Exam 4
What is culture? - ANS Culture is a complex and dynamic concept that includes the social
norms, behaviors, and beliefs of groups of people.
Culture is dynamic because individuals' attitudes, values, customs, and so on change over time
as they interact with other groups, expand their knowledge, and learn new ways of being.
Characteristics of Culture - ANS Cultural beliefs provide identity and a sense of belonging if they
continue to satisfy its members and do not conflict with the dominant culture.
Cultures consist of common beliefs and practices. Most members of a culture share the same
beliefs, traditions, customs, and practices as long as they continue to be adaptive and satisfy
the members' needs. Culture can influence everything its members think and do.
Culture is both universal (everyone has it) and dynamic (it changes). Cultural customs, beliefs,
and practices are not static. They change over time and at different rates as members adapt
and respond to their environment and external influences.
Culture exists at many levels. Culture exists in both the material (art, writings, dress, or artifacts)
and the nonmaterial (customs, traditions, language, beliefs, and practices).
Cultural values, beliefs, and traditions are passed down from generation to generation. Learning
occurs through life experiences shared with other members of the culture, either formally (e.g.,
in schools) or informally (e.g., in families). Some generations totally adopt the values, beliefs,
and traditions of their elders, some partially accept them, while others reject them.
Cultural assumptions and habits can be unconscious. Thus, they may be difficult for members of
the culture to explain to others or to identify as different from another culture.
Culture is diverse and demonstrates the variety that exists among groups and among members
of a particular group.
What is religion? - ANS Religion refers to an ordered system of beliefs regarding the cause,
nature, and purpose of the universe, especially the beliefs related to the worship of a God or
gods
What is a cultural stereotype? - ANS A cultural stereotype is an unsubstantiated belief that all
people of a certain racial or ethnic group are alike in many respects.
Stereotypes are often, but not always, negative. They are, however, assumptions that should
not factor into an objective assessment or evaluation of any patient.
, How do we learn about culture? - ANS Cultural awareness refers to an appreciation of the
external signs of diversity.
Cultural sensitivity is an awareness or knowledge of the uniqueness of other cultures. It is a set
of competencies that help one recognize and understand similarities and differences among
people of other cultures.
Cultural competence is the ability to effectively incorporate culture into the provision of care, so
as to show respect, accept differences, and empower decision making. You cannot achieve
cultural competence overnight because it is a developmental process.
As you gain more knowledge and awareness of the needs of individuals from various
ethnocultural groups, you will move forward on the journey toward cultural competence.
What do you do if something is ordered for a patient and it's not something they believe in? -
ANS Accept refusal and make note of patient refusal.
Seek to understand reason for refusal, provide education.
Negotiation- The client's perspective may differ from yours about the effects of a particular
practice. Negotiation acknowledges that gap. KEY POINT: You must negotiate when folk or
traditional practices might be harmful to the client.
Repatterning/Restructuring- Repatterning or restructuring occurs when you attempt to change
your actions or the client's lifestyle. While still respecting their cultural values and beliefs, you
would support and encourage the client to significantly modify their behaviors and to adopt new,
different, and beneficial health behaviors.
What is spirituality? - ANS Spirituality is the day-to-day, moment-by-moment journey in life and
living. Like a journey, spirituality involves personal subjective experiences that take place over
time. It encompasses hope, purpose, meaning, connections/relationships, appreciations, and
understanding.
When is spirituality important? - ANS Impacts medical decisions, especially at end of life.
What do you want to know when assessing spirituality? - ANS HOPE
H—Sources of Hope, meaning, comfort, strength, peace, love, and connection
O—Organized religion
P—Personal spirituality/Practices