When assessing a child’s cultural background, the nurse in charge should keep in mind that:
A. Heritage dictates a group’s shared values
B. Physical characteristics mark the child as part of a particular culture
C. Cultural background usually has little bearing on a family’s health practices
D. Behavioral patterns are passed from one generation to the next
Correct Answer: D. Behavioral patterns are passed from one generation to the next.
A family’s behavioral patterns and values are passed from one generation to the next. Pediatric health care providers must be aware of the demographic trends and be culturally competent to deliver the safest, highest quality care possible to children of widely differing groups.
Option A: Although heritage plays a role in culture, it does not dictate a group’s shared values and its effect on culture is weaker than that of behavioral patterns. In addition to language differences, cultural differences regarding nonverbal communication can create communication barriers between a child, family and the health care provider.
Option B: Physical characteristics do not indicate a child’s culture. Folk illnesses often do not have a corresponding illness from a biomedical or scientific perspective and may not be perceived as an illness or affliction by another cultural group.
Option C: Cultural background commonly plays a major role in determining a family’s health practices. Health and health care disparities are inextricably linked; cultural competence on the part of the health care provider is necessary to minimize and ultimately eliminate any differences in quality of health care.