A nurse inspects an inpatient psychiatric unit and finds that all areas are free of any harmful objects.
What do these observations relate to?

Choice A rationale

Eastern cultural traditions, such as traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurveda, often view health and disease as a dynamic balance of forces within the body, such as yin and yang or the three doshas. Disease is not always seen as having a single, stable cause but rather as a manifestation of imbalance. This perspective differs significantly from the Western biomedical model, which relies on a linear cause-and-effect relationship to explain illness.

Choice B rationale

Indigenous cultural traditions typically attribute disease to a complex interplay of spiritual, social, and environmental factors. Healing practices often involve ceremonies, rituals, and the restoration of harmony between the individual and their community or nature. The concept of reality and disease causation in this framework is highly interconnected and holistic, rather than being based on a single, stable, and scientifically verifiable cause in the biomedical sense.

Choice C rationale

The Western cultural tradition, heavily influenced by the biomedical model, is characterized by a belief in a stable reality where diseases have identifiable, single, or multiple causes. This tradition is founded on the scientific method, which seeks to establish clear cause-and-effect relationships. This perspective views illness as a biological malfunction caused by pathogens, genetic factors, or other physical agents, allowing for targeted medical interventions and diagnoses.

Choice D rationale

The term "Southern" is not a standard cultural or philosophical tradition used in this context. While it could refer to various regional cultures, it does not represent a unified framework for understanding reality and disease causation in the same way that Eastern, Indigenous, or Western traditions do. Therefore, it is an inappropriate choice in this comparison of established cultural paradigms.

Choice A rationale

Leaving the picture of the Virgin Mary where the client placed it shows cultural respect and acknowledges the client's spiritual beliefs. This action promotes a trusting therapeutic relationship by validating the client's values and practices. Culturally competent care involves honoring an individual's unique background, and this simple act demonstrates that the nurse respects the client as a whole person, which is essential for holistic care and patient satisfaction.

Choice B rationale

Sending the picture home with the client’s family would be culturally insensitive and could be perceived as disrespecting the client's spiritual beliefs. This action may cause the client to feel their values are not important or are being disregarded, which can damage the nurse-client relationship. Furthermore, it could lead to increased anxiety and mistrust, negatively impacting the client's overall well-being and willingness to cooperate with the treatment plan.

Choice C rationale

Sending a personal, religious item to the business office safe is unnecessary and disrespectful. This action implies the item is of no importance to the client's care, which can be spiritually and emotionally distressing. It separates the client from a source of comfort and spiritual strength, which is a vital part of a holistic approach to healing. It also fails to recognize the significance of such items in many cultures.

Choice D rationale

Moving the picture to a different location, even to a window, can be seen as dismissive of the client's wishes and spiritual needs. The client placed the picture in a specific spot for a reason, likely for comfort and proximity. Relocating it without permission disregards their autonomy and could be perceived as a subtle form of disrespect, potentially causing a client to feel powerless and unimportant in their own care.