Question

A Japanese client refuses to eat the ice cream of drink the milk on his tray. Which action by the nurse would indicate an understanding of the client's needs? A. She obtains yogurt for the client instead. B. She obtains an order for Lactaid dietary supplement. C. She removes the milk from the tray and says nothing to the client. D. She asks the client why he will not drink the milk.

Short answer

Answer: The nurse should ask the client why he will not drink the milk, as it demonstrates a desire to understand the client's needs and preferences, ensuring that any solutions are based on their specific requirements.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding cultural preferences

Japanese people typically consume fewer dairy products compared to many other countries, including the United States. Traditional Japanese food is based mainly on rice, seafood, and vegetables, while dairy is not a significant part of the diet. Some Japanese people may have difficulties digesting dairy products, making lactose-intolerance more common in this population. Step 2: Analyze the options

Evaluate each option

We will now evaluate each of the four options provided, considering how they align with cultural preferences and dietary habits: A. She obtains yogurt for the client instead - This option suggests that the nurse is aware that milk and ice cream may not be suitable for the client, but yogurt is still a dairy product, and it may not be culturally appropriate or address the client's potential lactose intolerance. B. She obtains an order for Lactaid dietary supplement - Lactaid is a supplement that helps the body digest lactose, and this may be helpful for the client if they have lactose intolerance. However, this assumes the client's refusal is due only to lactose intolerance rather than cultural preferences. C. She removes the milk from the tray and says nothing to the client - The nurse shows respect for the client by removing the milk without questioning them, but she doesn't address the issue or attempt to find an alternative. D. She asks the client why he will not drink the milk - This option shows that the nurse is seeking to understand the client's needs and preferences, allowing her to make more informed decisions in future care and better meet the client's needs. Step 3: Choose the best option

Select the appropriate option

Based on the analysis, the best action for the nurse to take would be Option D: She asks the client why he will not drink the milk. This approach demonstrates the nurse's understanding of the client's needs and willingness to engage in a conversation, ensuring that any solutions are based on the client's preferences and requirements.

Key concepts

Cultural Dietary Preferences

Cultural dietary preferences play a critical role in healthcare, particularly in nursing. A culturally competent nurse recognizes that food is an important part of a person's cultural identity and can have implications for health and wellbeing. In the scenario where a Japanese client refuses to eat dairy products, the nurse must understand that traditional Japanese cuisine is not heavily reliant on dairy, and that such preferences are deeply rooted in the country’s culture.

When caring for patients from diverse backgrounds, it is essential for nurses to be aware of common dietary patterns and the significance of certain foods within different cultures. Not only does this understanding support respectful care, but it also ensures patients receive nutrition that aligns with their cultural needs. This is where communication becomes paramount; asking the patient about their preferences provides insight and helps the nurse to tailor care to each individual’s cultural background.

Lactose Intolerance Management

Managing lactose intolerance is a practical aspect of culturally competent nursing care. Lactose intolerance, a condition where the body cannot easily digest lactose found in dairy products, can present symptoms such as bloating, gas, and abdominal pain.

In the given exercise, the nurse must consider that lactose intolerance might be the underlying reason for the Japanese client's refusal of dairy. Proactively offering alternatives such as Lactaid supplements or lactose-free options demonstrates attentiveness to this possible health issue. However, it is paramount to first engage with the client to confirm if lactose intolerance is present, rather than making assumptions based solely on cultural prevalence, thus providing patient-centered care that acknowledges individual health needs.

Patient-Centered Care

Patient-centered care is a cornerstone of modern nursing practice. It involves viewing patients as equal partners in planning, developing, and monitoring care to make sure it meets their needs. In this context, the nurse’s action to ask the Japanese client why he will not drink the milk exemplifies patient-centered care by seeking to understand the individual's specific concerns and preferences.

It's important that nurses not only respect the choices of their patients but also actively involve them in decision-making about their meals and treatment options. This personalized approach can improve patient satisfaction, adherence to dietary recommendations, and overall health outcomes. Care that is centered around the patient, rather than assumptions or generalities, is a fundamental practice in delivering high-quality nursing care.

Nursing Communication Skills

Effective nursing communication skills are essential when addressing sensitive topics like dietary preferences and potential intolerance. Good communication goes beyond mere conversation; it involves active listening, empathy, and responsiveness to the patient's verbal and non-verbal cues. By asking the client about their choice, the nurse opens a dialogue, which is the first step toward understanding and addressing the client's needs.

Strong communication skills allow the nurse to build trust, gather information, and collaborate with the patient on care decisions. When patients feel heard and understood, they are more likely to share information that is key to their care, leading to better health outcomes. In scenarios like the one presented, a nurse's ability to communicate effectively is as important as their clinical skills.