A nurse is interviewing a newly admitted patient. What question would best exhibit cultural competence?

The correct answer is choice B. When interviewing a newly admitted patient, the nurse can best exhibit cultural competence by asking open-ended questions that show an interest in and respect for the patient's cultural background. The question "What types of food do you eat for meals?" (choice B) is an open-ended question that allows the patient to provide information about their cultural food preferences and dietary needs. By asking this question, the nurse can gain insight into the patient's cultural background and develop a plan of care that is respectful of their cultural beliefs and practices.

In contrast, the questions "Do you think you will be able to eat the food we have here?" (choice A) and "Do you understand we can't prepare special meals?" (choice C) may be perceived as insensitive or dismissive of the patient's cultural background. These questions do not take into account the patient's cultural preferences and needs, and may make the patient feel marginalized or disrespected. The question "Why can't you just eat our food while you are here?" (choice D) is confrontational and may be perceived as judgmental or dismissive of the patient's needs. Therefore, the best question to exhibit cultural competence when interviewing a newly admitted patient is an open-ended question that shows an interest in and respect for the patient's cultural background, such as "What types of food do you eat for meals?" (choice B).

The correct answer is choice A, feeding. Aspiration is a serious risk for clients who have difficulty swallowing or have other conditions that increase the risk of food or liquid entering the airway. During feeding, the nurse should monitor the client closely for any signs of distress or difficulty swallowing. The nurse may need to modify the consistency or texture of the food or liquid or use assistive devices such as a straw or feeding tube to reduce the risk of aspiration. Additionally, the nurse may need to position the client upright and provide support as needed during feeding. While safety observations are important during all activities, feeding is the most critical activity for clients at high risk of aspiration.