Cultural Differences

Brenda White is a home health nurse caring for 72-year-old Mrs. Cortez, who is living with her daughter and family while recovering from a stroke. Part of the care involves working with the patient on coordination and strengthening exercises. Brenda has found Mrs. Cortez to be very cooperative and uncomplaining in doing the exercises under her direction, indicating that she would do what was needed to get well. One day Brenda’s supervisor, Maria Lopez, tells her that the agency has received a complaint from Mrs. Cortez’s family that Brenda is being too rough on the patient. Brenda responds that she does not understand this, because Mrs. Cortez has never complained. Brenda further explains that she was trying to have the patient work to her maximum capability and to give her instructions in a clear and direct manner. Ms. Lopez says that in her culture elders are considered very precious and are treated with gentleness and respect. Perhaps the family perceived that Brenda’s direct ways indicated disrespect for their mother, even though the patient did not indicate this.