Birth and Death practices
Where do women have babies and who is present?
hospitals, whoever the patient decides
What language is spoken primarily?
Mandarin Chinese. Some families may also speak Cantonese, or English.
5 culturally specific foods
Rice, noodles, vegetables, fish, seafood
One major disease in Chinese/Asian culture
Cardiovascular, diabetes, cancer, Hep B, liver disease
What conflicts do you see with your own beliefs?
Rns need to understand patients culture, and in turn, provide culturally sensitive care regardless of their own beliefs
Special practices for the mother/newborn
Zuo yuezi — “Doing the Month”
Postpartum recovery for the mother lasting 1 month
intended to restore maternal health and balance after childbirth
Avoiding strenuous activity.
Maintaining warmth.
Eating specific foods.
Avoiding foods considered “cold.”
Consuming foods considered restorative or “warming.”
Who usually talks for the patient?
Chinese culture considers family as a unit.
Food/Herbs that may interact with medications
teas, vitamins, acupuncture, cupping
List 3 environmental or social issues affecting health care
english proficiency, immigration related challenges, health literacy, difficulty navigating US health system, reluctance to discuss certain family health conditions
How is prayer included?
Do not assume a Chinese patient practices. Ask directly.
Death and preparation of the body
depends on the families religion
Traditional values include: Family gathering around the patient.
Ancestor-related traditions.
Prayer or chanting.
Incense or offerings.
Respectful preparation of the body.
Funeral rituals.
Burial or cremation
****RN should ask before postpartum care “Are there cultural or religious practices your family would like us to observe before we prepare or move the body?”
This is safer than assuming every Chinese family follows Buddhist, Daoist, or traditional Chinese funeral practices
Biggest sign of nonverbal communication?
Limiting direct eye contact
Foods that are eaten when sick (name 3)
Congee, soup, broth, warm liquids, tea, easily digestible foods
How is mental health viewed?
As a stigma
What gives strength and meaning to life?
Patients may include their family, ancestors, education, community, maintaining harmony, cultural traditions, religion, and fulfilling responsibilities toward family members
3 ways to accommodate this client
interpreter, asking about traditional health practices, address according to developmental age
What medication would a concern for a patient consuming ginseng? (Name two)
Warfarin, MAOIs, ADHD medication, Insulin
Suicude rate in Asian Americans
6.4 deaths per 100,000 population
What do Chinese spiritual and religious practices consist of?
Confucianism, daoism, buddhism, ancient folk traditions