247SimpleTests
NCLEX · Therapeutic Communication

A client from a culture different from the nurse's expresses beliefs about health that differ from the nurse's own. What is the BEST approach?

Reviewed by Jordan Morley, Editorial Lead at 247SimpleTests. Written by the 247SimpleTests Editorial Team from the official source material cited on every question.

Correct answer

Show cultural sensitivity — respect the client's beliefs and incorporate them into care when safe and feasible, while providing accurate information

  1. A Ignore the client's beliefs entirely
  2. B Show cultural sensitivity — respect the client's beliefs and incorporate them into care when safe and feasible, while providing accurate information
  3. C Refuse to care for the client
  4. D Insist the client adopt the nurse's beliefs

Why this is the answer

The best approach is culturally sensitive care: respecting the client's cultural beliefs and values, listening without judgment, and incorporating those beliefs into the plan of care when it is safe and feasible, while still providing accurate health information. Insisting the client abandon their beliefs, ignoring them, or refusing care are non-therapeutic and disrespectful. Cultural competence and sensitivity in communication support trust and better outcomes. Understanding the principle of respecting cultural differences in care is a standard psychosocial and communication concept. (This reflects general principles; verify against current NCLEX prep materials.)
Source: NCLEX-PN Psychosocial — Cultural Sensitivity

Practice more questions

This question is from our NCLEX Practice Tests practice test. Take the full practice test to test your knowledge across all Therapeutic Communication and other topics.

Take the PN: Psychosocial Integrity practice test →

About this topic: Therapeutic Communication

Therapeutic communication questions ask for the best response to a client — open-ended, reflective, non-judgemental — and the blocks to avoid: false reassurance, giving advice, changing the subject, why questions. This is one of 15 PN: Psychosocial Integrity questions on therapeutic communication, each with a full explanation on a single study page.

New to this exam? Our NCLEX exam guide explains the format, scoring, and how to prepare.

Related questions

Therapeutic Communication

A client says, 'I'm so scared about my surgery tomorrow.' Which response by the nurse is MOST therapeutic?

 Therapeutic Communication

Which statement by the nurse is an example of OPEN-ENDED communication?

 Therapeutic Communication

A nurse enters a client's room and the client screams, 'You people never answer my call light! This is abuse!' Which is the BEST initial response?

 Therapeutic Communication

A nurse is caring for a client from a cultural background different from the nurse's own. Which approach BEST demonstrates cultural competence?

State-specific guides

Need information for your state? Our state guides cover local requirements, fees, and what to expect on exam day.

California Texas Florida New York Pennsylvania Illinois Ohio Georgia

Recommended study materials

Study guide

Saunders Comprehensive Review for NCLEX-RN 9th Ed. (Elsevier)

The gold standard for NCLEX-RN prep: 5,200+ practice questions, content review, test-taking strategy.

Check Price → Study guide

NCLEX-PN Prep Plus (Kaplan)

Targeted NCLEX-PN content review with hundreds of practice questions and video explanations.

Check Price → Study guide

Prioritization, Delegation & Assignment (Elsevier)

The leading resource for NCLEX questions on prioritization, delegation, and management of care.

Check Price →

As an Amazon Associate, CJ Affiliate, and AWIN publisher we earn from qualifying purchases. Links above are affiliate links. Full disclosure →