Why is so important to consider cultural and ethnic values when performing a nutritional assessment?
If the nurse is not sensitive to or aware of the client’s cultural and ethnic values then there may be inaccurate information obtained that could lead to altered health care outcomes. For example, a client who is kosher is provided a tray with both meat and dairy products (milk meat) may either refuse to eat or refuse to drink what is given on the tray. If the nurse is not aware that in the kosher practice meat and dairy are not eaten at the same time, this could lead to the client becoming dehydrated or the nurse incorrectly thinking that the client was not hungry or being non-compliant with feeding. It is important to recognize and incorporate client’s cultural and ethnic values as much as possible into the clinical regimen. Otherwise, the client may become frustrated or indifferent to feeding attempts. In addition, cultural and ethnic values affect food preferences and food behaviors that are associated with both wellness and illness.
