Fundamentals of Nursing Q 543
A clinic nurse is preparing to examine a Hispanic child who was brought by the mother for his first physical check-up. While assessing the child, the nurse would avoid doing which of the following?
A. Weighing the client.
B. Asking the mother questions about the child.
C. Having an interpreter if necessary.
D. Admiring the child.
Correct Answer: D. Admiring the child.
Admiring a Hispanic-American child during the first encounter with a stranger should be avoided since this may give the child the “evil eye” (the child will get sick). If this is done, it can be avoided by touching the child afterward. Beliefs about illnesses affecting the child and infants include mal de ojo (evil eye)/illness affecting children caused by admiration of others.
Option A: Latinos have disproportionately higher rates of obesity and diabetes mellitus. Approximately 43 percent of Mexican Americans older than 20 years are obese, compared with 33 percent of the non-Latino white population. Diabetes and hypertension are closely linked with obesity; 11.8 percent of Latinos older than 20 years have type 2 diabetes (13.3 percent of Mexican Americans), making it the foremost health issue in this population.
Option B: Spanish language handouts are a better option. However, the most useful technique is “teach back” or “show me”: having patients repeat their care instructions until they do it correctly. The extra time necessary for this technique is justified by the prospect of much better understanding and adherence.
Option C: There is ample evidence that Latinos, especially those of Mexican and Central American origin, face significant obstacles to obtaining health care, especially language barriers. Many hospitals and offices lack trained interpreters and rely on ad hoc interpretation by bilingual staff or even the children of patients.