Culturally Competent Care for Navajo Patients

When communicating with a Navajo it is important for a nurse to provide culturally competent care. Which are aspects of care that a nurse should take into consideration when caring for a Navajo? (Select all that apply).

A. A Navajo may not want to touch a dead person because of the taboo associated with death
B. Future rapport with the Navajo is based on the initial encounter with them
C. Eye contact is seen as a sign of respect with the Navajo
D. A Navajo translator should be knowledgeable in medical terminology and be aware of the Navajo lifestyle

In order to provide culturally competent care, nurses working with Navajo patients need to consider cultural taboos related to death, build Rapport from the initial encounter, be cautious with eye contact, and ensure any translators are knowledgeable in medical terminology and the Navajo culture. Explanation: When providing culturally competent care to a Navajo individual, nurses should pay attention to several aspects. A) A Navajo may have a cultural reluctance to touch a dead person due to the taboo associated with death. This applies to both family members and medical professionals. B) The future rapport with a Navajo is often based on the initial encounter with them. Building a respectful and trusted relationship from the onset is crucial for maintaining good patient-nurse communication. C) Contrary to some cultures, eye contact is not usually seen as a sign of respect among Navajo people and may instead be considered rude or aggressive. D) It is also pertinent for a Navajo translator to be well-versed in medical terminology and possess understanding of the Navajo lifestyle so that they can accurately convey medical interventions and discussions.
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