1. 6512 Discussion 2
In 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 health care field: different populations, cultures, and groups have diverse
beliefs and practices that impact their health. Nurses and health care professionals should
be aware of this reality and adapt their health assessment techniques and recommendations
to accommodate diversity.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.Case 1JC, an at-risk 86-year-
old Asian male is physically and financially dependent on his daughter, a single mother who
has little time or money for her father’s health needs. He has a hx of hypertension (HTN),
gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), b12 deficiency, and chronic prostatitis. He
currently takes Lisinopril 10mg QD, Prilosec 20mg QD, B12 injections monthly, and Cipro
100mg QD. He comes to you for an annual exam and states “I came for my annual physical
exam, but do not want to be a burden to my daughter.”Case 2TJ, a 32-year-old pregnant
lesbian, is being seen for an annual physical exam and has been having vaginal discharge.
Her pregnancy has been without complication thus far. She has been receiving prenatal care
from an obstetrician. She received sperm from a local sperm bank. She is currently taking
prenatal vitamins and takes Tylenol over the counter for aches and pains on occasion. She a
strong family history of diabetes. Gravida 1; Para 0; Abortions 0.Case 3MR, 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 him 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. 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.· Select one of the three case studies. Reflect on the provided
patient information.· Reflect on the specific socioeconomic, spiritual, lifestyle, and other
cultural factors related to the health of the patient you selected.· Consider how you would
2. 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?Post an
explanation of the specific socioeconomic, spiritual, lifestyle, and other cultural factors
associated with the patient you selected. 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.Links:https://cccm.thinkculturalhealth.hhs.gov/https://npin.cdc.gov/pages/cultural-
competence
