Community Health Nursing Practice Exam

When developing an in-service program for community health nurses about culture, which aspect should the presenter include?

1. All members of a cultural group are alike.

2. Intraethnic variations underscore a population's cultural diversity.

3. Ethnicity has a major impact on the effectiveness of health care.

4. Ethnocentric attitudes are key to working with different cultures.

The correct answer is: Intraethnic variations underscore a population's cultural diversity.

Including intraethnic variations underscores a population's cultural diversity is essential in an in-service program about culture for community health nurses. This highlights the fact that even within a single cultural or ethnic group, there can be significant differences in beliefs, practices, attitudes, and experiences among individuals. Recognizing these variations is crucial for nurses as they provide culturally competent care and work effectively with diverse populations. Understanding that intraethnic variation exists allows nurses to avoid stereotyping and making assumptions based on a person’s cultural background. It emphasizes the need for healthcare providers to engage with patients as individuals and consider their specific cultural context rather than relying on generalized assumptions about a cultural group. This knowledge not only enhances the quality of care but also improves the patient-provider relationship, as it fosters respect for individual differences and encourages more tailored health interventions. In contrast, the other options do not effectively promote cultural competence. Assuming all members of a cultural group are alike ignores the richness of intra-group diversity. While acknowledging the impact of ethnicity on healthcare is important, it's not as nuanced as highlighting variations within ethnic groups. Ethnocentric attitudes can hinder understanding and collaboration across cultures, making it harder for nurses to connect with patients from different backgrounds. Thus, the emphasis on intraethnic variations