A nurse is talking to a client who is explaining her home situation and the intimate partner violence she recently experienced.
Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

Choice A rationale:

This statement is incorrect. SDOH include social and economic factors, not psychological factors.

Choice B rationale:

This statement is incorrect. Identifying SDOH helps to address disparities in health care, not increase them.

Choice C rationale:

This statement is correct. SDOH are conditions in the environments where people live, learn, work, and play that affect a wide range of health and quality-of life-outcomes and risks.

Choice D rationale:

This statement is incorrect. SDOH are not determined by an individual’s ethnic background, but rather by a wide range of factors including socioeconomic status, education, physical environment, employment, and social support networks.

Choice A rationale:

Adhering to standard approaches when providing care may not consider the unique cultural needs of the patient, which can lead to ineffective care.

Choice B rationale:

Encouraging the patient to talk about their culture allows the healthcare provider to gain insight into the patient’s beliefs and practices, which can guide culturally competent care.

Choice C rationale:

While physical needs are important, they are not the only aspect of care. Cultural needs also play a significant role in a patient’s health and wellbeing.

Choice D rationale:

While an interpreter can provide valuable information about a culture, it is more beneficial to hear directly from the patient about their personal cultural practices and beliefs.