CASE STUDY:
TJ, 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 over the counter Tylenol for aches and pains on occasion. She has a strong family history of diabetes. Gravida 1; Para 0; Abortions 0.
- Reflect on the specific socioeconomic, spiritual, lifestyle, and other cultural factors related to the health of the patient assigned to you.
- Consider how you would 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?
By Day 3 of Week 2
Post an explanation of the specific socioeconomic, spiritual, lifestyle, and other cultural factors associated with the patient you were assigned. 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.
-INCLUDE AT LEAST 3 SOURCES
-I’ve included the book assigned to us, we are using chapters 1&2 for this assignement
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
In this case study, we are presented with a 32-year-old pregnant lesbian patient who has been experiencing vaginal discharge. As a healthcare professional, it is essential to understand the specific socioeconomic, spiritual, lifestyle, and cultural factors related to the health of the patient. It is also important to use culturally sensitive language and communication strategies while gathering information from the patient.
1. What are the specific socioeconomic, spiritual, lifestyle, and other cultural factors associated with the patient in the case study?
In this case, the patient being a pregnant lesbian raises specific socioeconomic, spiritual, lifestyle, and other cultural issues. As a same-sex couple, they may face discrimination, and access to healthcare may be limited. Financial issues may also arise as same-sex couples may not have access to the same financial benefits as married heterosexual couples. The patient’s sexual orientation and gender identity may also impact their access to care and health outcomes. Additionally, the patient’s strong family history of diabetes poses a potential risk factor for the patient’s health.
2. Which questions can be asked to build a health history for the patient to assess their health risks while respecting their background, lifestyle, and culture?
To build a health history that is sensitive to the patient’s background, lifestyle, and culture, we can ask the following targeted questions:
a) Could you tell me more about your sexual orientation and gender identity?
b) Have you encountered any barriers in accessing healthcare due to your sexual orientation?
c) Can you tell me more about your family history of diabetes?
d) What medications, vitamins or supplements are you currently taking and how often do you take them?
e) How would you describe your typical daily routine, including diet and exercise?
3. What strategies can be employed to gather pertinent information from patients from different cultural backgrounds?
Effective strategies for communicating with patients of different cultural backgrounds include:
a) Taking the time to learn about the patient’s cultural background, customs, and beliefs.
b) Avoiding the use of medical jargon or technical language that the patient may not understand.
c) Using open-ended questions that allow the patient to provide more detailed responses.
d) Active listening and paying attention to nonverbal cues to understand the patient’s perspective.
e) Asking permission to touch the patient or conduct a physical examination to ensure cultural sensitivities are respected.
