Cultural question please

[Achoo!, LPN]

You are interviewing a client who is a recent immigrant from Irann. During the course of the interview he leans forward and then finally moves his chair close enough that your knees are nearly touching. You begin to feel uncomfortable with his proximity. Which statement reflects what you SHOULD do?

A. Discreetly move your chair back until the distance suits you, then continue your interview.

B. Laugh and tell the client you are uncomfortable with his close proximity and ask him to move away from you.

C. These behaviors are indicative of sexual aggression and you should confront him about it.

D. Try to relax- these behaviors are culturally appropriate for the client.

I am stuck between A and D. Thanks!

Tracy

[Marie_LPN, RN, LPN, RN]

I'd go with D, but then again my legs are long and i'd be afraid i'd accidently kick him lol.

[Future_Nurse_Natalie]

Tough one. I'm torn between the A & D too! I know that some cultures prefer closeness but I have my own personal space that I like maintained. I would go with "A" b/c it says to do it discreetly. You don't want to offend the man like "D" says, but then, you do have to set prefessional boundaries. Is there something in your book that talks about boundaries within the Iranian culture? It may say that they like to be close which in that case I would go with "D".

Did I mention I hate NCLEX questions??? :chuckle

[VickyRN, MSN, DNP, RN]

I believe the answer is "D." In the Middle East, it is normal for people to stand close enough to feel each other's breath on their faces. This is in stark contrast with American culture, in which we generally expect people to stand (or sit!) about an arm's length apart when talking in a business-type situation.

It is the nurse's professional responsibility to provide culturally competent care. This involves first understanding and then, respecting the client's cultural values, beliefs, and practices. It is important to have some basic knowledge about the major cultural and religious groups. It is also imporatnt for us to know our own culture. Different cultures hold vastly different views about whether it is polite or rude to make eye contact or touch someone (or invade someone's 'personal space') during conversations. So, "D" (these behaviors are culturally appropriate for the client) is the correct answer.

[Achoo!, LPN]

Yes, the teacher said the answer was D. Thanks everyone! :)

Tracy

[stpauligirl]

You are interviewing a client who is a recent immigrant from Irann. During the course of the interview he leans forward and then finally moves his chair close enough that your knees are nearly touching. You begin to feel uncomfortable with his proximity. Which statement reflects what you SHOULD do?

A. Discreetly move your chair back until the distance suits you, then continue your interview.

B. Laugh and tell the client you are uncomfortable with his close proximity and ask him to move away from you.

C. These behaviors are indicative of sexual aggression and you should confront him about it.

D. Try to relax- these behaviors are culturally appropriate for the client.

I am stuck between A and D. Thanks!

Tracy

I'd go with A

[Gennaver, MSN]

You are interviewing a client who is a recent immigrant from Irann. During the course of the interview he leans forward and then finally moves his chair close enough that your knees are nearly touching. You begin to feel uncomfortable with his proximity. Which statement reflects what you SHOULD do?

A. Discreetly move your chair back until the distance suits you, then continue your interview.

B. Laugh and tell the client you are uncomfortable with his close proximity and ask him to move away from you.

C. These behaviors are indicative of sexual aggression and you should confront him about it.

D. Try to relax- these behaviors are culturally appropriate for the client.

I am stuck between A and D. Thanks!

Tracy

Hi,

I am stuck between B and D but, the way it is written I think I would choose D to be safe, figuring that there is always time to reasses. Maybe I am naive.

Gen

p.s. I will continue reading to see if any posters of Iranian descent have replied

edited to add, I see that it is D, also I have heard before about breath in the face and how someone from an Eastern Culture mentioned that he considered Americans to be so uptight as to not allow anyone to even be able to smell thier breath! Until hearing that I was indeed so self conscious of my 'lunch' breath or coffee breath but, have really relaxed that hang up due to how and what that person shared! I should've known, D

[AussieKylie]

I am going with D. As you have your own personal space too.

[P_RN, ADN, RN]

OK playing Devil's Advocate here. What about MY personal space? After all I am the native....and when in Rome........?

[SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN]

Well, your teacher's wrong.

I've been in Middle Eastern countries and believe me, they don't get that close to respectable women - read Muslim women wearing head coverings.

Tell him politely that you are uncomfortable with his physical closeness. And that no, you do NOT like to have him touch your knee.

[epiphany]

Ah, good old Nclex. 1. Nclex doesn't care what happens to you as a nurse, so you can rule out anything that is meant to protect you. 2. This is clearly a culture question, so Nclex is trying to find out how culturally sensitive you are. So, by default, even if you don't know Iranian culture, D would be your answer.

[Gumshooz]

why do Middle Eastern men give their women space and respect. But when its American women assume they can get as close as they want and talk to her in anyway they feel is necessary? They dont know that American NEED their space. I personally would move back and if he kept moving closer then I would let him know that he is too close and in your personal space.