EB is a 68-year-old black female with hypertension – NURS 6512 wk 2 Discussion: Diversity and Health Assessments

EB is a 68-year-old black female with hypertension – NURS 6512 wk 2 Discussion: Diversity and Health Assessments

In the realm of healthcare, it is imperative to acknowledge and address the diverse backgrounds and needs of patients to provide effective and patient-centered care. Every patient is a unique individual, and healthcare providers must consider various factors when delivering care, including culture, age, gender, race or ethnicity, and socioeconomic status. These factors can significantly influence a patient’s health beliefs and behaviors, making it crucial for providers to approach each patient with sensitivity and cultural competence (Saha, Beach & Cooper, 2008).

Discussion: Developing a Culture of Evidence-Based Practice

In the case of EB, a 68-year-old black female with hypertension, several factors are associated with her health and require attention. These factors include her age, cultural background, socioeconomic status, health beliefs, and health literacy. Being an African American, EB is part of a racial and ethnic group that often faces healthcare disparities in the United States. These disparities can manifest in various ways, such as limited access to healthcare, reduced utilization of preventive services, and challenges in obtaining health insurance (Watts, 2003). It’s essential to recognize these disparities and work towards providing equitable care to patients like EB.

Sensitive Issues When Interacting With the Patient

When interacting with a patient like EB, several sensitive issues should be handled with care and cultural sensitivity. Given her age and cultural background, it’s crucial to approach certain topics with sensitivity:

1. Medication Adherence:

Asking EB about how she takes her medications is essential to assess her adherence. However, this should be done with empathy, as elderly patients may face challenges in managing multiple medications.

2. Vision Impairment:

EB’s worsening vision can affect her ability to read medication labels and manage her health. Inquiring about her vision and its impact on her medication management should be done with understanding and support.

3. Memory and Forgetfulness:

EB mentions forgetting a medication at home. Memory issues are common among older adults, and addressing this concern should be done with compassion and by exploring strategies to help her remember her medications.

4. Blood Pressure Control:

Understanding the importance of blood pressure control to EB and her beliefs about managing hypertension is crucial. This topic should be approached with respect for her health beliefs and practices.

5. Health Literacy:

Assessing EB’s health literacy level is essential to ensure she understands her condition and medications. This should be done in a non-judgmental manner, focusing on providing information and support.

Targeted Questions

To build EB’s health history and assess her health risks, the following targeted questions can be asked:

1. Can you describe how you typically take each of your medications to manage your hypertension?

2. How important do you believe it is to keep your blood pressure under control?

3. How has your worsening vision affected your ability to manage your medications effectively?

4. Is there anything we can do to help you remember to take all your prescribed medications regularly?

5. When was the last time you had your vision checked, and do you currently use any visual aids?

References

Saha, S., Beach, M. C., & Cooper, L. A. (2008). Patient centeredness, cultural competence and healthcare quality. Journal of the National Medical Association, 100(11), 1275–1285.

Watts, R. (January 31, 2003). Race Consciousness and the Health of African Americans. Online Journal of Issues in Nursing, 8(1), Manuscript 3. www.nursingworld.org//MainMenuCategories/ANAMarketplace/ANAPeriodicals/OJIN/TableofContents/Volume82003/No1Jan2003/RaceandHealth.aspx