Discussion Post Nursing

In your practice, it is essential that you have cultural awareness and sensitivity while communicating and caring for your patients. This discussion examines the topics of cultural competence, ethics, and LGBT issues, and how you can apply the skills you learned in this course to specific case scenarios using ethical and cultural considerations.

1. Jenny, a 25-year-old Native American male-to-female transgender person, wants to look into services that you provide. She has not legally changed her name, so her documents display her given male name, James. She is new to transitioning, dresses in t-shirts and jeans, and still produces facial hair (which is exposed). She appears to be shy, jittery, and very nervous, and does not look anyone in the eyes.

1. How would you build a health history for this patient?


2. What questions would you ask, and how would you frame them to be sensitive to the patient’s background, lifestyle, and culture?

2. Susan is a 2-year-old female who is scheduled in your office for a well-child exam. Her mother is with her for the appointment. When asked about vaccination history, her mother states, "She has not received any vaccinations. My sister's son was diagnosed with autism at age 2 after receiving his vaccinations. We do not want Susan to get autism. We are choosing to not get her vaccinated. She is better off getting natural immunity like people do with getting measles and chickenpox.”

1. How can barriers to understanding facts about vaccines be identified and overcome with Susan's mother?


2. What educational materials might you turn to for assisting Susan's mother in making an informed decision about vaccinating her child?