A nurse is using the Cultural Formulation Interview (CFI) tool while collecting a health history from a client who is from a culture different than the nurse.

A nurse is using the Cultural Formulation Interview (CFI) tool while collecting a health history from a client who is from a culture different than the nurse. Which of the following statements should the nurse make?

A.
“Tell me what you feel needs to change to improve your health.

B.
“Here is a list of treatments that will be best for your concerns.”

C.
“believe our treatment plan will work for you.”

D.
“You are having issues that are commonly associated with anxiety and depression.”

The Correct Answer and Explanation is:

The correct answer is A. “Tell me what you feel needs to change to improve your health.”

The Cultural Formulation Interview (CFI) is a tool designed to help healthcare providers understand a client’s cultural background, beliefs, and values regarding health and illness. This approach is particularly important in nursing, as cultural competence plays a crucial role in delivering effective patient care. Option A is the best choice because it emphasizes the client’s perspective and encourages open dialogue about their health needs.

By asking, “Tell me what you feel needs to change to improve your health,” the nurse acknowledges the client’s autonomy and recognizes the importance of their cultural context. This question invites the client to share their thoughts, feelings, and priorities, fostering a partnership in the healthcare process. It demonstrates respect for the client’s experiences and cultural beliefs, which is essential for building trust and rapport.

In contrast, options B, C, and D are less appropriate in this context. Option B, “Here is a list of treatments that will be best for your concerns,” suggests a prescriptive approach that does not take the client’s cultural beliefs into account. It may inadvertently convey that the nurse is imposing their own views on the client.

Option C, “I believe our treatment plan will work for you,” assumes that the nurse’s perspective aligns with the client’s needs without soliciting the client’s input. Finally, option D, “You are having issues that are commonly associated with anxiety and depression,” may pathologize the client’s experience and could come off as dismissive of the client’s cultural context.

In summary, option A is the most culturally sensitive approach, facilitating a respectful dialogue that values the client’s perspective and encourages their active participation in their care. This enhances the therapeutic relationship and promotes more effective and personalized healthcare interventions.

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