Discussion 2 - Briefly Introduce A Person You Have Recent
Discussion 2 -421 Briefly introduce a person you have recently cared for in your nursing practice
Briefly introduce a person you have recently cared for in your nursing practice. Discuss the person’s view of the cause of their health condition, the person’s health literacy, and the person’s identity on the continuum of privilege-disadvantage (Table 4 in the Lor article on p. 361). Describe what your approach to care was or would be for this individual in a culturally competent way, emphasizing respect for their unique cultural context and needs.
Paper For Above instruction
In my recent nursing practice, I cared for a middle-aged woman who was admitted with uncontrolled hypertension. To maintain confidentiality, I will refer to her as “the patient.” She expressed her understanding of her health condition as a result of her lifestyle and stressors, believing that her high blood pressure was mainly caused by her fast-paced work environment and poor diet. Her perspective reflects a common narrative among many patients, attributing health issues to lifestyle choices, though it is evident that social determinants and biological factors also play significant roles (Berkman et al., 2011).
The patient demonstrated limited health literacy, which impacted her ability to fully understand her diagnosis, medication regimen, and the importance of lifestyle modifications. She was often confused about medication timing and lacked detailed knowledge of her condition’s pathophysiology. Such gaps in health literacy are prevalent among populations with lower educational backgrounds and socioeconomic disadvantages, emphasizing the need for tailored communication strategies in nursing care (Berkman et al., 2011). Enhancing health literacy involves using plain language, visual aids, and teach-back methods to ensure understanding and engagement.
On the privilege-disadvantage continuum, the patient was situated towards the disadvantaged end. Her socioeconomic status, limited educational background, and language barriers contributed to her marginalization within the healthcare system. She lacked consistent access to healthcare resources and social support, which are critical in managing chronic conditions. Recognizing her position on this continuum was essential for planning culturally sensitive care that acknowledged and addressed these disparities.
In providing culturally competent care, I prioritized establishing trust and rapport through respectful communication and active listening. I validated her beliefs about her health condition while gently correcting misconceptions and providing accessible educational materials. I employed an empathetic approach, considering her social context and potential barriers to care, such as transportation issues or financial constraints. For example, I coordinated with community resources to facilitate medication assistance and scheduled follow-ups that aligned with her work commitments.
Furthermore, I acknowledged her cultural background and personal values, which influence her health behaviors. By asking about her beliefs and preferences, I tailored health recommendations that were realistic and culturally acceptable. For instance, I suggested dietary modifications that incorporated culturally familiar foods rather than prescribing standard Western diets, thereby respecting her cultural preferences and increasing adherence.
In summary, caring for this patient required an understanding of her worldview, social determinants, and literacy level. A culturally competent approach involved respectful communication, education tailored to her needs, and addressing systemic barriers to ensure equitable health outcomes. Incorporating a holistic view of her life circumstances helped foster trust and fostered more effective self-management, which is vital in chronic disease care.
References
Berkman, N. D., Sheridan, S. L., Donahue, K. E., Halpern, D. J., & Crotty, K. (2011). Low health literacy and health outcomes: An updated systematic review. Annals of Internal Medicine, 155(2), 97-107. https://doi.org/10.7326/0003-4819-155-2-201107190-00005
Ritter, L. A., & Graham, D. H. (2017). Chapters 2 and 6. [Insert full citation of the textbook as per your citation style]