Chapter 11—Cultural Considerations

MULTIPLE CHOICE

1.Which of these terms refers to an integrated structure of knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, behaviors, ideas, customs, languages, values, symbols, rituals, ceremonies, and practices that are unique to a particular group of people?

a. culture c. heritage

b. ethnicity d. race

ANS: A

Culture encompasses the dynamic and integrated structures that are unique to a particular group of people: knowledge, beliefs, behaviors, ideas, attitudes, values, habits, customs, languages, symbols, rituals, ceremonies, and practices. These structures provide general guidelines for the people who belong to a particular culture.

PTS:1DIF:KnowledgeREF:White (2010)

2.When a client refers to his or cultural perception or identity that has been passed from one generation to the next, the nurse understands that this is an example of:

a. culture c. heritage

b. ethnicity d. race

ANS: B

Culture represents adaptive dynamic processes learned through life experiences; it is not static or uniform among all members of the group. The diversity within and among cultural groups results from individual perspectives and practices. Ethnicity, a cultural group’s perception or identity, reflects a common social heritage passed from generation to generation. This shared identity is evident in common customs and traits.

PTS: 1 DIF: Comprehension REF: White (2010)

3.When a group of people with biological similarities share similar physical characteristics such as skin color, hair color or texture, and facial features, the nurse identifies this as:

a. culture c. heritage

b. ethnicity d. race

ANS: D

A race is a group of people who share biological similarities that have similar physical characteristics such as skin color, hair color or texture, and facial features. Ethnicity and race often overlap because the cultural and biological commonalities support each other, reinforcing a sense of cohesiveness.

PTS: 1 DIF: Comprehension REF: White (2010)

4.When a society’s sociopolitical climate is enriched by varied ideas, viewpoints, problem-solving approaches, and increased tolerance, these outcomes are considered to be positive results of:

a. acculturation c. cultural diversity

b. cultural assimilation d. ethnocentrism

ANS: C

The term cultural diversity refers to differences among people resulting from racial, ethnic, and cultural variables. In countries like the United States, a wide variety of cultural groups have contributed to society in many ways. When there are differences among and between cultural groups in a country, this diversity can contribute to social problems because of misunderstanding and unfamiliarity with different cultures. Some of these social problems result from bias or prejudice of individuals or groups toward other groups.

PTS: 1 DIF: Comprehension REF: White (2010)

5.When there are differences among and between cultural groups in a country, this diversity can contribute to social problems because of misunderstanding and unfamiliarity with different cultures. This is BEST described as:

a. acculturation c. ethnocentrism

b. cultural diversity d. oppression

ANS: C

When there are differences among and between cultural groups in a country, this diversity can contribute to social problems because of misunderstanding and unfamiliarity with different cultures. Some of these social problems result from bias or prejudice of individuals or groups toward other groups. The assumption that one cultural group is superior to others is known as ethnocentrism and can result in oppression of other groups.

PTS: 1 DIF: Comprehension REF: White (2010)

6.The imposition of the rules, modes, and ideals of one group on another group is called:

a. acculturation c. oppression

b. cultural diversity d. stereotyping

ANS: C

Some of the social problems can result from bias or prejudice of individuals or groups toward other groups. The assumption that one cultural group is superior to others is known as ethnocentrism and can result in oppression of other groups.

PTS:1DIF:KnowledgeREF:White (2010)

7.A dietary aide tells the nurse that an Asian American client won’t eat anything on the tray being served because it is not balanced hot and cold. This situation represents an example of:

a. acculturation c. oppression

b. cultural diversity d. stereotyping

ANS: D

The term cultural diversity refers to differences among people resulting from racial, ethnic, and cultural variables. In countries like the United States, a wide variety of cultural groups have contributed to society in many ways. When there are differences among and between cultural groups in a country, this diversity can contribute to social problems because of misunderstanding and unfamiliarity with different cultures. Some of these social problems result from bias or prejudice of individuals or groups toward other groups.

PTS:1DIF:ApplicationREF:White (2010)

8.Which of these terms refers to the group whose values prevail in a given society?

a. cultural assimilation c. dominant culture

b. cultural diversity d. oppression

ANS: C

The cultural group whose values predominate in a given society is called the dominant culture; a minority group is a group that does not constitute the largest numerical portion of a given population. Characteristics of the dominant culture, including its norms, beliefs, and behavioral expectations, are assumed by individuals and groups through the process of acculturation.

PTS: 1 DIF: Comprehension REF: White (2010)

9.Which of these groups compose the dominant culture of the United States?

a. black, upper-class Roman Catholics of mixed ancestry

b. black, lower-class Protestants of African ancestry

c. white, middle-class Protestants of European ancestry

d. white, lower-class Roman Catholics of Hispanic ancestry

ANS: C

The cultural group whose values predominate in a given society is called the dominant culture. Characteristics of the dominant culture, including its norms, beliefs, and behavioral expectations, are assumed by individuals and groups through the process of acculturation. The dominant culture of the United States is white, middle-class Protestants of European ancestry.

PTS: 1 DIF: Comprehension REF: White (2010)

10.A client who was born in Brazil learns to speak English and dresses in a more “American” mode while attending college in the United States. The client maintains religious beliefs and practices and socializes primarily with other Brazilian immigrants. The nurse should recognize that this client is in the process of:

a. acculturation c. cultural diversity

b. cultural assimilation d. oppression

ANS: A

Characteristics of the dominant culture, including its norms, beliefs, and behavioral expectations, are assumed by individuals and groups through the process of acculturation.

PTS:1DIF:ApplicationREF:White (2010)

11.Which of the following has been identified by Stewart as a component of culture?

a. perception of self and the individual c. role of women and children

b. orientation to authority d. view of leisure activities

ANS: A

Stewart identified five components of culture: perception of self and the individual, activity, social relations, perception of the world, and motivation.

PTS:1DIF:KnowledgeREF:White (2010)

12.Which of the following statements about culture is TRUE?

a. It is a consistent standard of behavior.

b. It is learned.

c. It is perceived by members of the cultural group as inherited.

d. It is verbalized by members of the cultural group.

ANS: B

Characteristics that are shared by all cultures include the following: culture is learned as children imitate adults in the group and integrated throughout all interrelated components, culture is shared by everyone belonging to a cultural group, culture is tacit because acceptable behavior is understood by everyone in the cultural group, and culture is dynamic, in a constant state of change.

PTS: 1 DIF: Comprehension REF: White (2010)

13.Cultural concepts are helpful to the nurse when planning care for a client from another cultural group because these concepts:

a. help the nurse anticipate client orientation to health and illness

b. allow the nurse to feel culturally superior

c. fully explain the client’s behavioral patterns

d. predict how this client will deal with authority

ANS: A

Culture plays a profound role in individuals’ perceptions of and beliefs about health and illness, and nurses must understand and respect the cultural values and beliefs of individuals for whom they will be providing care. Although knowledge of cultural concepts and beliefs is important for a nurse, the nurse must always remember that each client is an individual, regardless of his or her cultural background.

PTS: 1 DIF: Comprehension REF: White (2010)

14.The nurse is caring for a 12-year-old Asian American boy previously treated by an herbalist using herbs, soups, and cupping. The nurse observes regular round bruises over several parts of his body. What action should the nurse take?

a. Immediately report the suspected abuse to the supervisor.

b. Question the child to ascertain where the marks had been obtained.

c. Quietly ask the child’s parents if the child has recently been injured.

d. Confirm that the herbalist made the marks during treatment.

ANS: D

Culture plays a profound role in individuals’ perceptions of and beliefs about health and illness, and nurses must understand and respect the cultural values and beliefs of individuals for whom they will be providing care. Although knowledge of cultural concepts and beliefs is important for a nurse, the nurse must always remember that each client is an individual, regardless of his or her cultural background.

PTS:1DIF:ApplicationREF:White (2010)

15.A nurse is caring for a client who does not speak English and finds it difficult to communicate with the client. Which of these actions should the nurse take?

a. Ask the health care provider to explain client-care routines to the client.

b. Request the supervisor to change assignments.

c. Find an interpreter either in the client’s family or from the facility resource pool.

d. Refrain from speaking to the client, as to prevent confusion.

ANS: C

When language differences impede communication, alternative methods of communication such as gestures, pictures, or flash cards can be useful tools. Members of a client’s family may also be able to bridge the communication gap between nurse or health provider and client. If family members are unable to assist, an interpreter may be required.

PTS:1DIF:ApplicationREF:White (2010)