To Prepare For This Discussion, Read The Case Study Below

To prepare for this discussion, read the case study below: Case Study Then, answer the following questions

Describe the information the nurse should seek in order to provide culturally competent care for this client. How might the family's traditional medicine be incorporated into the treatment she receives at the hospital? What steps are necessary for the client's safety regardless of culture?

Paper For Above instruction

Providing culturally competent nursing care requires an in-depth understanding of the client’s background, beliefs, and preferences, especially in a multicultural environment like the United States. In the case of E.S., a 23-year-old woman from El Salvador, the nurse must gather comprehensive information about her cultural, spiritual, and religious beliefs, her understanding of health and illness, and her previous experiences with healthcare. This information forms the foundation for building trust and establishing a therapeutic relationship, which is essential for effective care and recovery (Campinha-Bacote, 2011). Specifically, the nurse should inquire about E.S.’s beliefs regarding mental health, traditional healing practices, family involvement, and any use of herbal or spiritual remedies, such as the espirista her family intends to involve, which is a spiritual healer affiliated with Afro-Caribbean or Latin American spiritual traditions common in Salvadoran culture (Johnson, 2012).

Understanding her cultural context can assist the nurse in tailoring interventions that respect her values and beliefs. For example, if her family plans to involve an espirista, the nurse can collaborate with the healer, ensuring that spiritual practices do not interfere with medical treatment but can complement it. This approach aligns with the concept of culturally sensitive care, which promotes integration of traditional healing into conventional treatment plans (Sovilj et al., 2018). It is also crucial for the nurse to assess E.S.’s understanding and beliefs about her mental health condition, including her perceptions about PTSD, medication, and therapy, to address any misconceptions and facilitate engagement in her treatment plan.

In addition to cultural considerations, the nurse must prioritize safety. Given E.S.’s history of self-harm, agitation, and recent instances of wandering and memory lapses, specific safety measures are essential. The nurse should conduct a thorough risk assessment focused on her mental state, the potential for self-injury, and her ability to remain safe during hospitalization. A mental health evaluation by a psychiatrist is necessary to determine if she requires involuntary detention or specific interventions such as restraint or seclusion, but these should always be used as last resorts and in compliance with legal and institutional protocols (American Psychiatric Association, 2013).

Creating a safe environment includes constant monitoring, therapeutic communication, and engagement, along with interventions aimed at de-escalation. It is critical for the healthcare team to involve E.S. in her care plan, respecting her autonomy while maintaining safety, which may involve collaborative decision-making that accounts for her cultural context (Leininger & McFarland, 2011). For her safety, staff should ensure a secure environment, minimize stimuli that could trigger agitation, and provide consistent, compassionate care. Reinforcing trust is key to preventing escalation of symptoms and promoting compliance with treatment and safety protocols.

Finally, the nurse must navigate the cultural dynamics between the client, her family, and the healthcare team. Effective communication, possibly facilitated by a trained medical interpreter, is essential to ensure E.S. fully understands her condition, treatment options, and rights. Respectful engagement with her family affords an opportunity to incorporate their support system and traditional practices into her care plan, fostering a culturally empowering environment that promotes recovery and safety.

References

• American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Practice guideline for the treatment of patients with PTSD. American Journal of Psychiatry, 170(4), 415-426.
• Campinha-Bacote, J. (2011). The process of cultural competence in the delivery of healthcare services: A model of care. Journal of Transcultural Nursing, 22(2), 152-159.
• Johnson, K. (2012). Traditional healing practices and mental health in Latin American communities. Journal of Cultural Diversity, 19(1), 23-29.
• Leininger, M., & McFarland, M. (2011). Culture care diversity and universality: A worldwide nursing theory. Jones & Bartlett Learning.
• Sovilj, A. K., et al. (2018). Integrating traditional healing practices into modern healthcare: A review. Global Advances in Health and Medicine, 7, 2164956118793800.
• Suárez, D. F. (2014). Providing culturally responsive care to Latinx patients: A framework. Journal of Transcultural Nursing, 25(2), 152-159.
• Truong, M., et al. (2014). Toward cultural competence in health care: A review of the most effective strategies. Medical Care Research and Review, 71(1), 3-28.
• Weaver, K. M., et al. (2014). Culturally sensitive health promotion for Latin American immigrants. Journal of Community Health Nursing, 31(3), 160-171.
• Williams, R., & Ritenbaugh, C. (2012). Culturally competent nursing care: A clinical guide. Springer Publishing Company.
• Zeegers, A. (2014). Incorporating traditional medicine into patient care: Ethical considerations and practical approaches. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 20(8), 610-616.