NR 391 Week 5 Discussion Question: Transcultural Perspectives Across Lifespan (GRADED)

NR 391 Week 5 Discussion Question: Transcultural Perspectives Across Lifespan The chapter I selected that interest me most in the required reading was chapter 6. Children are the individuals of thi s group. It is essential to remember that children are under the care of either their biological or adoptive parents, which are known to be their primary care providers. Various influence shape the children population. It is important to obtain information of these influences in order to develop and implement culturally appropriate care plans for the child. Andrews (2016) states that the various influences that shape the children population as a whole include the child’s: • Ethnicity/Race • Poverty impact on the child’s health • Health status of the child Also, others important factors to consider are “cross-cultural differences in growth and development, infant attachment, and crying” (Andrews, 2016). Knowledge of these key influences and factors will allow creation of a culturally appropriate plan of care and actions. Case Study Example: Cassie is a 10-year old, female patient brought to the emergency room due to a motor vehicle collision. After stabilizing the patient with oxygen via nasal cannula, two large bore needles, and continuous monitoring of Cassie’s status, her parents arrive at the ED. Both biological parents gave detailed demographics, medical history, and essential information of their child. They consent to medical procedures required for their child. An hour after, Cassie experiences a BP 89/47, HR 121, RR 35, weakening peripheral pulse, skin noted to be pale, and altered mental status. Both of Cassie’s parents are informed of the need for blood transfusion. The family’s religion is stated to be Jehovah’s Witness and do not believe in blood transfusions. Parental consent is needed in order to perform medical procedures, except in emergency situations. “Courts throughout the western world recognize that parents have rights but additionally recognize that these rights are not absolute and exist only to promote the welfare of children” (Woolley, 2005). Parents decisions due to their religious beliefs and practices that refuse medically required procedures are respectfully denied if it can cause permanent harm or impairment in a child’s health. It can also be viewed as neglect in some courts. In order to provide immediate medical needs of Cassie, informing the patient’s parents that they respectfully accept their reasons to refuse transfusion is important. However, addressing the current situation, their child’s needs in order to prevent further complications, and informing them of the court’s rules regarding certain situations is critical. Informing parents of the required treatment for their child and acknowledging their beliefs and values is important even in times of dilemma of being culturally competent. “With regard to religious based refusal of blood products by parents, courts in the western world are of the opinion that the child’s welfare is paramount and blood can be given, and consideration should be given to parental views and treatment moderated where possible but if conflict occurs, the child’s interests always come first” (Woolley, 2005). As Cassie receives the required medical procedure, development of the child’s plan of care must be created considering Cassie’s and her parents’ beliefs, values, and practices. For example, meal preparation Cassie receives during her hospital visit must follow her religion’s food and eating habits. It is important that if meat is being given in a meal, the blood is washed entirely prior to preparation. As an Asian American consider what influences their decision of seeking healthcare, traditional herbal medicine, and folk healers. Also, consider the space required during interaction because they believe distance versus intimate space is best. The family’s socioeconomic status must be identified in order to create a reasonable discharge plan. As well as the child’s growth, development, and attachment to their primary care givers. Collection of these factors will allow a cultural development of an individualize plan of care plan developed. Celina Pamplona Andrews, M. M., & Boyle, J. S. (2016). Transcultural concepts in nursing care (7th ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer. Woolley, S. (2005). Children of Jehovah’s Witnesses and adolescent Jehovah’s Witnesses: What are their rights? Archives of Disease in Childhood, 90:715-719.