A nurse from a predominantly Latino culture works in a hospital that services a large Hmong population.
What action by the nurse best demonstrates cultural competence?

This is an example of restating.

Restating is a therapeutic communication technique where the nurse repeats what the client has said in their own words to show that they are listening and to clarify the client’s message.

Choice A is incorrect because establishing trust involves building a relationship with the client and is not demonstrated in this example.

Choice B is incorrect because using silence involves allowing for pauses in the conversation to give the client time to think and reflect, which is not demonstrated in this example.

Choice D is incorrect because reassuring involves providing comfort and support to the client, which is not demonstrated in this example.

The action that best demonstrates cultural competence is for the nurse to ask the clients what matters most to them in their illness and treatment.

Cultural competence describes the ability to effectively interact with people belonging to different cultures.

The importance of cultural competence in nursing focuses on health equity through patient-centered care, which requires seeing each patient as a unique person1.

Choice B is not the correct answer because telling clients that they should not continue taking herbs does not demonstrate cultural competence.

Choice C is not the correct answer because asking clients if they utilize shaman does not demonstrate cultural competence.

Choice D is not the correct answer because telling clients that they should follow the provider’s orders does not demonstrate cultural competence.