CULTURAL EXPLORATION TABLE

NURS 401 Professional Development for Baccalaureate Nursing

Purpose of Assignment
The purpose of this assignment is to develop in the learner an awareness of the health beliefs/
practices of a culture different from their own.
Approach to Assignment
When doing this cultural exploration, I decided to choose a culture that I did not know much
about. I also wanted to research a culture that I thought would be interesting to learn about and
that is why I ended up exploring the Chinese culture. I rented books from my local library and
researched professional nursing articles to complete the assignment.
Reason for Inclusion
I chose to include this project in my portfolio because it represents my awareness of another
culture’s health beliefs.
Research
Shares research findings with colleagues
 After completing this project, I printed it and shared it with my coworkers. I thought it
was a great tool to use as guidance when caring for patients from the Chinese culture.
Applies research-based knowledge from nursing as the basis for culturally sensitive care
 I learned many things about the Chinese culture while researching for this assignment. I
learned that the Chinese culture usually mask their feelings by smiling so they may not
show nonverbal signs of discomfort or pain (Ferroa, 2005). I need to be sure to ask the
client directly how they are feeling. The Chinese are typically hands-on people but only
to those of the same sex (Chai & Chair 2007). This is especially important when caring
for a client from the Chinese culture who is the opposite sex. The client may prefer to
have a nurse that is the same sex. Pointing may strike a bad notion to someone that is
nearby (Chai & Chai, 2007). The Chinese typically stand close to you because this is
considered being polite (Chai & Chai, 2007). It is also important to ask about any herbal
medications the patient my be taking since the Chinese culture often use herbal
medication for healing. This is especially important so that the client does not experience
any drug to drug interaction. Because I kept a copy of this assignment in my locker at
work, I referenced it whenever I took care of a client from the Chinese culture.
Culture
Articulates an understanding of how human behavior is affected by the culture, race, religion,
gender, lifestyle and age
  In this paper, I discuss how the oldest relative living in the family is usually respected
and is considered to be the person of wisdom and their word is the law. The elderly are
always looked after by the younger family members even if they are ill. The Chinese
usually typically don’t seek medical treatment unless the family members are not able to
provide adequate care.
Demonstrates sensitivity to personal and cultural definitions of health, and how these beliefs
influence an individual’s reaction to the illness experience and end of life
 For the Chinese culture, health is usually maintained by traditional medicine such as
acupuncture, massage, deep breathing, etc. The elderly is usually looked after by the
younger family members and the Chinese do not typically seek medical advice unless the
family are not able to provide proper care. Imbalance of yin and yang are thought to
cause illness and discomfort. Disharmonies in the body and environment is thought to
cause illness. The Chinese do not believe in mourning, instead they believe in letting go
and moving on. When a family member has died, a wake is started and can last up to 7
days. Afterwards, the family partake in a feast and pays their last respects to the
deceased individual.
Integrates knowledge of cultural diversity in performing nursing interventions
 When caring for patients who identify with the Chinese culture, I recognize that they
prefer Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). When feasible, incorporating some of those
techniques such as deep breathing and relaxation.
Maintains an awareness of global environmental factors that may influence the delivery of health
care services.
 Air and water pollution are amongst the highest in the world in China. This can cause
respiratory illnesses that could potentially lead to death. Being aware of this when caring
for patients from the area, could be beneficial when confirming and ruling out certain
diagnoses.

Considers the impact of research outcomes and, the effects of health and social policies, on
persons from diverse backgrounds
 Research has suggested that people of Chinese descent are associated with high blood
pressure. A genetic risk score was significantly and independently associated with an
increase in blood pressure and the risk for hypertension and cardiovascular disease. Being
that the Chinese culture prefer using TCM, education regarding how to manage
hypertension through diet and exercise would be beneficial. The use of herbal
medications also need to be addressed because some can provoke high blood pressure
(i.e. Ginseng, St. John’s Wart) while others may interact with blood pressure medication.