The nurse is performing an admission assessment for a client admitted to the behavioral health unit. Which social/cultural category will the nurse document that may be contributing to the client's degree of mental illness? Select all that apply. (Select All that Apply.)

While all members of the interdisciplinary team play important roles in the care of a client started on antidepressant medication, the psychiatric nurse typically takes a leading role in monitoring the medication's effectiveness and side effects.

1. Pharmacist: The pharmacist plays a crucial role in ensuring the safe and accurate dispensing of medications. They provide important information about the medication, its dosing, and potential drug interactions. However, they may not be directly involved in monitoring the client's response to the medication or assessing for specific side effects.

2. Psychiatrist: The psychiatrist is responsible for prescribing the antidepressant medication and determining the appropriate treatment plan for the client. While they may periodically review the client's progress and adjust the medication as needed, their role may focus more on the overall management of the client's mental health condition rather than continuous monitoring of the medication's effectiveness and side effects.

3. Psychologist: The psychologist typically focuses on providing therapy and counseling services to the client. While they may have knowledge about the effects of antidepressant medication, their primary role is not to monitor its effectiveness or side effects.

4. Psychiatric nurse: The psychiatric nurse is often at the forefront of medication monitoring and management. They closely observe the client for changes in symptoms, assess the client's response to the antidepressant medication, and monitor for any potential side effects or adverse reactions. The psychiatric nurse may collaborate with the psychiatrist and other team members to adjust the medication regimen and provide ongoing support and education to the client about their medication.

When discussing culturally competent care at a nursing staff inservice, the nurse should include information about the importance of focusing on clients’ cultures when providing care. Culture plays a significant role in determining when a client will seek medical care and how they will respond to treatment. Nonverbal communication is important in many cultures and can provide valuable information about a client’s needs and preferences. Nurses should strive to provide care that is respectful of and responsive to clients’ cultural beliefs and practices, rather than expecting clients to adapt to the care provided.

● “Culture plays no role in determining when a client will seek medical care.” This statement is incorrect because culture can play a significant role in determining when and how a client seeks medical care. Cultural beliefs and practices can influence a client’s understanding of health and illness, their attitudes towards healthcare providers, and their willingness to seek and adhere to treatment.

● “Nonverbal communication is important in few cultures.” This statement is incorrect because nonverbal communication is important in many cultures. Nonverbal cues such as body language, facial expressions, and gestures can convey important information about a client’s emotions, needs, and preferences. Understanding and responding to nonverbal communication can help nurses provide culturally competent care.

● “Nurses should expect clients to adapt to the care provided regardless of culture.” This statement is incorrect because it is not culturally competent to expect clients to adapt to the care provided without considering their cultural beliefs and practices. Nurses should strive to provide care that is respectful of and responsive to clients’ cultural beliefs and practices. This may involve adapting the care provided to meet the unique needs of each client.