University of Texas, Tyler

Question 33 2 / 2 pts

Your new patient is a 40-year-old Middle Eastern man with the complaint of new abdominal pain. You are concerned about violating a cultural prohibition when you prepare to do his rectal examination. The best tactic would be to: do the exam as it is a necessary part of the physical examination ask a colleague from the same geographic area if this examination is acceptable forego the examination for fear of violating cultural norms inform the patient of the reason for the examination and ask if it is acceptable to him

Recognizing the possible problem and talking about it, evoking feelings sooner rather than later, makes it easier. It is permissible to ask if the patient is uncomfortable with you or your background and to talk about it. Also, when any aspect of the patient's person disturbs you, you must try to understand why. When cultural differences exist, be certain that you grasp exactly what the patient means and know exactly what the patient thinks you mean in words and actions. Asking the patient if you are not sure is far better than making a damaging mistake. Avoid assumptions about cultural beliefs and behaviors made without validation from the patient.

Question 34 2 / 2 pts

Knowledge of the culture or cultures represented by the patient should be used to: form a sense of the patient based on prior knowledge help make the interview questions more pertinent