Today’s NCLEX-RN® question of the day focuses on a nurse at the local health department who is contemplating interventions to foster health equity. What interventions should the nurse put into action? Can you determine the appropriate measures? Can you figure it out?
The nurse working in the local health department is considering interventions that promote health equity. Which intervention(s) should the nurse implement? Select all that apply.
A. Assess their own cultural background
B. Learn about the local community they are working in
C. Administer a social determinants of health (SDOH) screening tool
D. Advise the patient against using homeopathic therapiesE. Provide access to a professional medical interpreter
Scroll down for the correct answer!
The correct answers to today’s NCLEX-RN® Question are…
A. Assess their own cultural background
Rationale: Assessing personal cultural background allows the nurse to become aware of any biases or prejudices and be accountable for them.
B. Learn about the local community they are working in
Rationale: Learning about the community in which the nurse works allows the nurse to become knowledgeable about health disparities that may exist as well as the cultures and the cultural practices of those they are caring for.
C. Administer a social determinants of health (SDOH) screening tool
Rationale: Administering an SDOH screening tool to each patient can help the nurse identify the health disparities affecting the patient. Protocol for Responding to and Assessing Patient Assets, Risks, and Experiences (PRAPARE) is a screening tool to assess SDOH.
E. Provide access to a professional medical interpreter
Rationale: Accessing a medical interpreter for non-English speaking patients and providing educational materials in the patient’s preferred spoken language promotes equal access to healthcare.
Major Takeaway
Nurses are in a unique position to promote health equity by first assessing their own cultural background, values, and beliefs. This allows the nurse to become aware of their own biases or prejudices, and to become accountable for them. Additionally, it is important for the nurse to practice self-reflection and continuously learn about the communities they care for so they can better understand their patient’s cultural beliefs and practices. In order to identify causes of health disparities that patients experience, the nurse can administer social determinants of health (SDOH) screening tools, such as the Protocol for Responding to and Assessing Patient Assets, Risks, and Experiences (PRAPARE). The nurse should also use standardized, evidence-based care to help reduce disparities in treatment. For instance, the nurse should base pain management interventions on current guidelines, along with alternative therapies based on the patient’s preference and customs like acupuncture or meditation. The nurse should also always use an interpreter rather than a family member or friend if the patient does not speak the same language as the health care team, and provide educational materials in the patient’s own language.
Incorrect answer explanation
D. Advise the patient against using homeopathic therapies
Rationale: Using a standardized, evidence-based treatment plan can help reduce health disparities. However, the nurse should use evidence-based treatment in conjunction with alternative and homeopathic therapies based on the patient’s culture, as long as they do not pose a threat to their health.
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