A community health nurse is planning an educational program for a group of women who are postmenopausal. Which of the following outcomes is appropriate for this program?

Choice A reason: Touching the hair of an African American client during an assessment does not demonstrate accurate cultural knowledge, as it may be considered disrespectful or intrusive. Hair is a sensitive and personal topic for many African Americans, who may have experienced discrimination or stigma based on their hair texture or style¹. The nurse should ask for permission before touching the client's hair and explain the purpose of the assessment.

Choice B reason: Offering to shake hands when meeting an Asian client of the opposite gender does not demonstrate accurate cultural knowledge, as it may be considered inappropriate or offensive. In some Asian cultures, physical contact between men and women who are not related or married is discouraged or prohibited². The nurse should observe the client's body language and follow the client's lead in greeting gestures.

Choice C reason: Maintaining eye contact when interviewing a Native American client does not demonstrate accurate cultural knowledge, as it may be considered rude or aggressive. In some Native American cultures, eye contact is a sign of disrespect or challenge, especially when talking to elders or authority figures³. The nurse should avoid direct eye contact and use a respectful tone of voice when interviewing the client.

Choice D reason: Including both hot and cold food items on a Hispanic client's menu demonstrates accurate cultural knowledge, as it reflects the concept of balance and harmony in Hispanic culture. Many Hispanics believe that health and illness are influenced by the balance between hot and cold forces in the body and the environment⁴. The nurse should respect the client's food preferences and beliefs and provide a variety of food options.

Choice A reason: Demographics is not the priority information for the community health nurse to obtain from each client, as it is not directly related to the transmission or treatment of tuberculosis. Demographics is the statistical data of a population, such as age, gender, race, or income. The nurse may collect this information for surveillance or research purposes, but it is not essential for the immediate care of the client.

Choice B reason: Household members is the priority information for the community health nurse to obtain from each client, as it is crucial for the prevention and control of tuberculosis. Household members are the people who live with or share the same living space with the client. They are at high risk of being exposed to or infected with tuberculosis, as the disease is spread through respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing. The nurse should identify and screen the household members for tuberculosis, and provide them with prophylactic antibiotics if needed.

Choice C reason: Occupation is not the priority information for the community health nurse to obtain from each client, as it is not directly related to the transmission or treatment of tuberculosis. Occupation is the type of work or profession that the client does. The nurse may collect this information for occupational health or social support purposes, but it is not essential for the immediate care of the client.

Choice D reason: Health history is not the priority information for the community health nurse to obtain from each client, as it is not directly related to the transmission or treatment of tuberculosis. Health history is the record of the client's past and present medical conditions, medications, allergies, or surgeries. The nurse may collect this information for diagnosis or management purposes, but it is not essential for the immediate care of the client.