Discussion 2 -421Briefly introduce a person you have recently cared for in your nursing practice. (Be sure not to include any identifying information that would be protected by HIPAA!) Discuss the person’s view of the cause of their health condition, the person’s health literacy, and the person’s identity on the continuum of privilege-disadvantage (Table 4 in the Lor article on p. 361). What was (or would be) your approach to care for him/her in a culturally competent way?Submission Instructions: Your initial post should be at least 500 words,formatted and cited in current APA style with support from at least 2 academic sources.Read theModule 2: Lecture Materials & Resources early in the week to help you respond to the discussion questions and to complete your assignment(s).Required Textbook ReadingsRitter, L.A., Graham, D.H. (2017).Chapters 2 and 6
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In my nursing practice, I recently cared for an elderly woman who was diagnosed with congestive heart failure (CHF). She had a history of hypertension and had been on medication for several years. According to her, the cause of her health condition was primarily due to her age and genetics. She believed that her body was not as strong as it used to be, and that her heart was simply wearing out over time. This perception of aging and genetic predisposition influenced her understanding of the etiology of her health condition.
In terms of health literacy, the patient demonstrated a moderate level of understanding regarding her condition. She was aware that her heart was not functioning properly and understood the importance of taking her medications regularly. However, she had some difficulty comprehending complex medical terminologies and concepts related to the treatment plan. This highlighted the need to provide her with clear and concise explanations, using layman’s terms, to ensure effective communication and understanding.
The patient identified herself as being in a position of disadvantage on the continuum of privilege-disadvantage. She lived alone and had limited financial resources, which posed challenges in accessing healthcare services and adhering to the prescribed treatment plan. She expressed concern about the financial burden of her medications and the potential impact on her quality of life. It was essential to take these factors into consideration while planning her care and providing appropriate support.
To provide culturally competent care for this patient, several approaches were implemented. Firstly, it was important to establish trust and rapport by actively listening to her concerns and showing empathy. Acknowledging her fears and addressing her financial concerns reassured her that her well-being was a priority. Additionally, the use of plain language and visual aids helped enhance her health literacy and understanding of her condition.
Recognizing her limited financial resources, efforts were made to explore potential community resources and assistance programs that could help alleviate the financial burden of her medications. This involved collaborating with social workers and connecting her with relevant support networks. By addressing these social determinants of health, we aimed to improve her overall well-being and reduce barriers to accessing appropriate care.
Finally, it was important to involve the patient in shared decision-making and actively engage her in her own care. By providing educational materials, involving her family members in the care process, and encouraging her to ask questions and voice concerns, she felt empowered and actively participated in managing her condition.
In conclusion, providing culturally competent care to the elderly woman with CHF involved understanding her perception of the cause of her health condition, assessing her health literacy, and recognizing her position on the privilege-disadvantage continuum. By addressing her concerns, providing clear communication, exploring resources, and involving her in decision-making, we aimed to provide holistic and patient-centered care.
