Question 1

Which of the following best describes cultural competence in healthcare?

Accepted Answer

The awareness of, acceptance of, and respect for beliefs, values, traditions, and practices different from one’s own, and adapting care to avoid violating a patient’s culture or religion.

Question 2

A nurse is caring for a postpartum woman from a culture that expects 30 days of bedrest after childbirth and avoids eating vegetables during the first week. What is the most culturally sensitive approach?

Accepted Answer

Respect the patient’s cultural practices and collaborate to ensure her needs are met safely within her cultural framework.

Question 3

Which of the following is an example of ethnocentrism in healthcare?

Accepted Answer

A physician assumes that all patients should accept blood transfusions because it is standard in their own culture.

Question 4

According to the Humoral Theory, which of the following would be considered a 'cold illness' and how should it be treated?

Accepted Answer

Pregnancy; treated with hot foods such as meat and hot soup.

Question 5

A patient declines a blood transfusion due to religious beliefs. What is the most appropriate response from the healthcare team?

Accepted Answer

Respect the patient’s wishes and explore alternative treatments.

Question 6

Which of the following statements about values is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

Values are deep feelings about what is right or wrong, and are mostly learned in early childhood, influenced by culture and ethnicity.

Question 7

In some cultures, which of the following is a common postpartum practice?

Accepted Answer

Avoiding washing the body and hair until vaginal discharge stops.

Question 8

Which government agency is responsible for conducting research on the effectiveness of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM)?

Accepted Answer

National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM)

Question 9

A healthcare provider is teaching a group of students about the importance of using interpreters. Which scenario best illustrates the need for an interpreter?

Accepted Answer

A patient who speaks limited English is asked to sign a surgical consent form.

Question 10

Which of the following best describes the difference between complementary and alternative medicine?

Accepted Answer

Complementary medicine is used in combination with Western medical care, while alternative medicine is used instead of Western medical care.

Question 11

A family requests that their critically ill relative receive a religious sacrament and keep a religious artifact with them at all times. What is the most culturally competent response?

Accepted Answer

Accommodate the request unless it poses a medical risk.

Question 12

Which of the following is a potential consequence of failing to demonstrate cultural competence in healthcare?

Accepted Answer

Increased risk of misunderstandings, errors, and poor health outcomes.

Question 13

In the context of the Self-Determination Act of 1991, which statement is most accurate?

Accepted Answer

Patients in the US have the legal right to full disclosure of medical information to participate in their own care.

Question 14

A nurse is caring for an adolescent from a culture that does not value independence. Which approach is most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Respect the family’s cultural values and support the adolescent’s identity development within that context.

Question 15

Which of the following is an example of how culture can influence health beliefs and practices?

Accepted Answer

Some cultures believe illness is the result of sins committed in a previous life.

Question 16

A healthcare provider is teaching a patient from a culture that avoids eye contact as a sign of respect. What should the provider do?

Accepted Answer

Recognize and respect the patient’s cultural practice regarding eye contact.

Question 17

Which of the following best illustrates the concept of 'yin' and 'yang' in health beliefs?

Accepted Answer

Yang represents light, heat, or dryness; yin represents darkness, cold, or wetness, and health is achieved by balancing both.

Question 18

A healthcare worker is teaching a group of older adults from various cultural backgrounds. Which strategy is most effective for culturally competent teaching?

Accepted Answer

Use neutral phrasing and consider the use of interpreters when appropriate.

Question 19

Which of the following is a common role of elders in many cultures?

Accepted Answer

Elders are viewed as sources of wisdom and often play a major role in raising or disciplining grandchildren.

Question 20

A patient’s family requests that no autopsy or organ donation be performed after death due to cultural beliefs. What is the most appropriate response?

Accepted Answer

Respect the family’s wishes unless legally required otherwise.

Cultural Considerations Across the Lifespan and in Health and Illness: A Psychological Perspective

Study Guide - Practice Questions

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