An older client is wearing a hearing aid.
What intervention can the nurse implement to improve communication?

All of the choices provided are examples of alternative therapy.

Alternative therapy refers to the use of non-conventional methods to complement or enhance traditional medical treatments.

Choice A is an example of alternative therapy because it suggests including appointments with a massage therapist while continuing medical treatments for chronic leg pain.

Choice B is an example of alternative therapy because it suggests initiating “cupping” while also taking antibiotics for pneumonia.

Choice C is an example of alternative therapy because it suggests utilizing lavender in addition to the use of lorazepam for anxiety.

Choice D is an example of alternative therapy because it suggests using garlic to manage a clotting disorder.

The action that best demonstrates cultural competence is for the nurse to ask the clients what matters most to them in their illness and treatment.

Cultural competence describes the ability to effectively interact with people belonging to different cultures.

The importance of cultural competence in nursing focuses on health equity through patient-centered care, which requires seeing each patient as a unique person1.

Choice B is not the correct answer because telling clients that they should not continue taking herbs does not demonstrate cultural competence.

Choice C is not the correct answer because asking clients if they utilize shaman does not demonstrate cultural competence.

Choice D is not the correct answer because telling clients that they should follow the provider’s orders does not demonstrate cultural competence.