Chapter 7Client’s Response to Illness

Chapter 7Client’s Response to Illness

Individual FactorsIndividual Factors

• Age, stage of growth and development

• Genetics and biologic factors

• Physical health and health practices

• Response to drugs

• Self-efficacy (belief that personal abilities and efforts affect life events)

Individual FactorsIndividual Factors

•Hardiness

•Resilience

•Spirituality

Interpersonal FactorsInterpersonal Factors

•Sense of belonging

•Social networks

•Social support

•Family support

Cultural FactorsCultural Factors• Beliefs about illness

• Cultural Assessment

• Distance

• Social Organization

• Time Organization

• Environmental Control

Cultural Patterns and DifferencesCultural Patterns and Differences

Knowledge of expected cultural patterns provides a starting place for the nurse to begin to relate to persons from different ethnic backgrounds. However, there are wide variations among members of any cultural group, so not everyone fits the general pattern.

Nurse’s Role in Working With Clients From Various CulturesNurse’s Role in Working With Clients From Various Cultures

Nurse must learn about the client’s cultural values, beliefs, and health practices.

Best source of information is the client: “How would you like to be cared for?” “What do you expect (or want) me to do for you?”

General knowledge about culture can guide nurse in initial meetings with client and deciding what questions to ask, but this general knowledge cannot replace client assessment. Individuals in a culture can vary a great deal from one another.

Self-Awareness IssuesSelf-Awareness Issues•Maintain a genuine, caring attitude

•Ask how nurse can promote or assist with spiritual, religious, and health practices

•Recognize own feelings and possible prejudices

•Remember that the client’s response to illness is complex and unique