How Do Nurses' Own Cultural Values And Beliefs Affect Their

How Do Nurses Own Cultural Values And Beliefs Affect Their Nursing Ca

How do nurses’ own cultural values and beliefs affect their nursing care? Give specific examples of attitudes and their potential consequences. Discuss the ways in which the nursing process serves as the framework for the practice of professional nursing. What maternal risk factors could put an infant at risk for sudden infant death? What are some ways to reduce the risk of sudden infant death?

Paper For Above instruction

Nurses' personal cultural values and beliefs significantly influence their approach to patient care, shaping interactions, decision-making, and overall nursing practices. As healthcare providers, nurses bring their cultural perspectives into the clinical setting, which can affect how they perceive patient behaviors, health beliefs, and communication styles (Perry et al., 2018). For example, a nurse with strong beliefs in individual independence may encourage younger patients to make autonomous health decisions, potentially underestimating the importance of family involvement in certain cultures. Conversely, a nurse unfamiliar with a patient's cultural background might unintentionally dismiss or misunderstand specific health practices, leading to culturally insensitive care that can affect patient trust and adherence.

Attitudes rooted in personal beliefs may have unintended consequences. For instance, a nurse’s potential bias against a minority religious practice, such as refusal of blood transfusions, might lead to conflict or compromised care if the nurse does not respect the patient's cultural or religious needs (Andrews & Boyle, 2019). Such biases, if unchecked, could impair therapeutic communication and patient satisfaction. Therefore, cultural competence is critical; nurses must recognize their own values and biases and strive to provide respectful, individualized care that aligns with each patient's cultural context.

The nursing process offers a systematic, evidence-based framework essential for delivering professional nursing care. It comprises assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation—elements that ensure holistic and patient-centered care. During assessment, nurses gather comprehensive data, including cultural considerations, that influence health beliefs and behaviors. When diagnosing, they identify patient needs considering cultural influences, which guides tailored interventions. Planning involves setting culturally sensitive goals, whereas implementation ensures that nursing actions respect cultural practices. Evaluation assesses whether goals are achieved in a manner that honors the patient's cultural background, facilitating continuous improvement in care quality (Perry et al., 2018).

Regarding maternal risk factors that predispose infants to sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), several maternal and infant-related elements are significant. Maternal smoking during pregnancy, alcohol use, and substance abuse increase SIDS risk by impairing fetal development and affecting autonomic control of respiration (Machado et al., 2019). Additionally, mothers with inadequate prenatal care, low socioeconomic status, or those who experience sleep positioning of the infant on the stomach are at higher risk. Infants exposed to cigarette smoke, in particular, exhibit compromised respiratory function, heightening the danger of SIDS.

To reduce the risk of SIDS, several evidence-based strategies are recommended. Placing infants on their backs to sleep is paramount, as this position has been shown to significantly decrease SIDS incidence (American Academy of Pediatrics, 2016). Ensuring a safe sleep environment, such as using a firm mattress, removing soft bedding, and avoiding co-sleeping with parents or siblings, further diminishes risk. Educating parents about the importance of regular prenatal care, avoiding smoking and substance use during pregnancy, and encouraging breastfeeding are additional measures that contribute to infant safety. Pediatric care providers play a key role in counseling families about these factors to prevent SIDS effectively.

References

• American Academy of Pediatrics. (2016). SIDS and Other Sleep-Related Infant Deaths: Updated 2016 Recommendations for a Safe Infant Sleeping Environment. Pediatrics, 138(5), e20162938.
• Andrews, M. M., & Boyle, J. S. (2019). Transcultural Nursing: Assessment and Intervention (8th ed.). Jones & Bartlett Learning.
• Machado, R., et al. (2019). Maternal risk factors for sudden infant death syndrome. Journal of Perinatal & Neonatal Nursing, 33(2), 127–135.
• Perry, S. E., Hockenberry, M. J., Lowdermilk, D. L., & Wilson, D. (2018). Maternal Child Nursing Care (6th ed.). Elsevier.