Fundamentals of Nursing Q 315
Cultural awareness is an in-depth self-examination of one’s:
A. Background, recognizing biases and prejudices.
B. Social, cultural, and biophysical factors.
C. Engagement in cross-cultural interactions.
D. Motivation and commitment to caring.
Correct Answer: A. Background, recognizing biases and prejudices.
Cultural awareness is an in-depth examination of one’s own background, recognizing biases and prejudices, and assumptions about other people. Cultural awareness is sensitivity to the similarities and differences that exist between two different cultures and the use of this sensitivity in effective communication with members of another cultural group.
Option B: Cultural competence is necessary because it helps the nurse offer the best services to every patient, leading to high satisfaction and care on the side of the patient. Without cultural competence, the health sector will suffer a great loss and ultimately limit the services that it can offer.
Option C: A strong background and knowledge of cultural competence prevent professional health caregivers from possessing stereotypes and being myopic in their thoughts. It also helps them offer the best service to all, regardless of their social status or belief.
Option D: Cultural competence prepares nurses to empathize, relate more to patients, and attend more deeply to their needs. Hospital patients can often be agitated or stressed. Having someone on their care team who speaks their language or understands their unique background may help them to relax, leading to greater therapy and overall care.