Syllabus

Lab

Clinical

Appendix
 

Client’s first name _________________Age group : ___________      Sex_________
Occupation (now and prior to immigration)__________________________________
Place of birth________________________  Date immigrated to USA_____________
Describe area where client lived as a child (urban or rural, school, recreation, parent’s occupation) ____________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
Languages spoken & written_______________________________________________
Language spoken at home_________________________________________________
Do you live in a neighborhood where most people are of your culture now?__________

What are some things that are important in relation to communicating in your culture? (examples- eye contact, touching, hand gestures with special meaning, personal space)
Are people in your culture generally very expressive emotionally or more reserved?
 
 

What are some important values in your culture? (examples- privacy, modesty, courtesy, respect for elders, work ethic, family etc)
 
 
 
 

How is health viewed by your culture?  How do you define health?  What do you believe are the causes of illness?
 
 

Are there any special cultural practices related to birth? (ceremonies, food, clothing etc)
 
 

What are cultural practices related to death?
 
 
 

Describe the most important things you do to stay healthy: Are there any practices in your culture that help you stay healthy such as prayer, wearing of specific charms, medicines etc?  
 

 
What are some common foods in your culture?

Do you change your diet during certain times of the year or for religious ceremonies?
 

Describe a typical daily diet:
BREAKFAST                                                                  LUNCH

DINNER                                                                          SNACKS
 
 
 

Are there any special types of exercise encouraged in your culture? (tai chi, yoga, walking, etc)

Describe your daily pattern of activity including leisure time activities:
 
 

Do you exercise?  Type    Frequency
 
 
 

What are some important practices for someone who is ill in your culture? (examples- home remedies, folk practices, special healers)  Who makes important health decisions in the family?
What were hospitals like in your country compared to hospitals in the USA?
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Immigrating to a new home has many challenges.  What has been most difficult or stressful for you?  Are there special practices to reduce stress in your culture? (examples- meditation, prayer)
 
 
 

What are your major health concerns now?  What do you have questions about?

Basic Physical Exam

General survey

Describe general appearance including body movements and stature, nutritional status,
and manner of speech
 
 

Vital signs (Offer to check the client’s vital signs)
BP________   P___________   R_____________
 

Skin, Hair, and Nails

Describe skin color

Describe hair color, thickness, and texture

Describe any lesions, scars, bruises that are present

Head & Neck

Assess visual acuity as either
a. Can read
b. Can recognize faces
c. Blind

Assess hearing as either
a. Able to hear whispered word
b. Must speak loudly
c. Deaf

Assess symmetry of smile, facial movements
 

Extremities

Assess for any obvious signs of weakness, joint swelling or pain with movement 
 
 
 
 
 

Post Interview Activities

1. Using your text and Internet resources, research health information about this culture.  Are there specific genetic or acquired conditions that are more prevalent for this person’s culture (examples- hypertension, Tay Sachs, lactose intolerance)?
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

2. From the information obtained in the interview and research, what are the implications of this person’s culture on their health?
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

3. What are the nursing care implications of the information you learned from you client today?  For example, how would you modify your communication techniques, dietary counseling, etc?  Are there any modifications you would make during a hospital stay to allow for the client’s cultural practices?