NR 293 CHAPTER 4 – CULTURAL, LEGAL, AND ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS

NR 293 CHAPTER 4 – CULTURAL, LEGAL, AND ETHICAL
CONSIDERATIONS

Question
Which racial group is predicted to be nearly one in three U.S. residents in 2050?

A. African American
B. Asian
C. Hispanic
D. White

Correct answer: C
Rationale: It is predicted that by 2050, nearly one third of the U.S. population will be Hispanic. The non-Hispanic, single-race white
population is projected to be only slightly larger in 2050. The African-American population is projected to increase from 41 million
(about 14%) to about 66 million (or 15%) by 2050. The Asian population is projected to increase from 15 million to about 40 million,
rising from a current 5.1% to 9.2% of the total population.

Ethnopharmacology
 Body of knowledge for understanding the specific impact of cultural factors on patient drug response

Cultural Considerations
 Influence of ethnicity on genetics and drug response
 Drug polymorphism
 Adherence with therapy
 Environmental and economic considerations
 Pharmacokinetics
 Pharmacodynamics
 Varying drug responses in different racial or ethnic groups
 Health beliefs and practices
 Barriers to adequate health care for the culturally diverse U.S. patient population
o Language, poverty, access, pride, and beliefs regarding medical practices
o Medications may have a different meaning to different cultures

Cultural Assessment
 Languages spoken: need for interpreter
 Health beliefs and practices
 Past uses of medicine
 Herbal treatments, folk remedies, and home remedies
 Over-the-counter drugs and treatment
 Usual response to illness
 Responsiveness to medical treatment
 Religious practices and beliefs
 Support from the patient’s cultural community
 Dietary habits