A newly hired occupational health nurse is assessing hazards in the work environment. Which of the following actions will help the nurse detect potential physical hazards?

Choice A reason: Administrator is not the role that the nurse is functioning in when arranging for an occupational therapist to visit the client. An administrator is a nurse who is responsible for planning, organizing, directing, and controlling the delivery of health care services within an organization or a unit.

Choice B reason: Nurse consultant is not the role that the nurse is functioning in when arranging for an occupational therapist to visit the client. A nurse consultant is a nurse who provides expert advice and guidance to clients, organizations, or other health care professionals on specific issues or problems.

Choice C reason: Case manager is the role that the nurse is functioning in when arranging for an occupational therapist to visit the client. A case manager is a nurse who coordinates the care of a client across the continuum of health care settings and services. A case manager assesses the client's needs, develops a plan of care, facilitates the delivery of appropriate interventions, and evaluates the outcomes.

Choice D reason: Clinician is not the role that the nurse is functioning in when arranging for an occupational therapist to visit the client. A clinician is a nurse who provides direct care to clients in various settings, such as hospitals, clinics, or homes. A clinician performs assessments, diagnoses, treatments, and evaluations of the client's health status.

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.