Page 120 - Saunders Comprehensive Review For NCLEX-RN

II. Racial and Ethnic Minorities
A. Due to the increasing diversity of the United States population,
minorities are projected to become the majority.
B. Racial and ethnic minorities are affected more often than their
white counterparts by health care disparities and inequalities.
C. Social determinants of health are conditions in which persons are
born, grow, live, work, and age, including the health care system,
and are correlated with health and health inequities.

D. Cultural competence is a necessary ability for health care

professionals to provide care for a diverse population and can help
improve health outcomes and quality of care.
E. Family members and friends should not be asked to be an
interpreter for the client because of confidentiality, the potential
for conflict of interest, and the risk associated with relaying
inaccurate information; only specified individuals as designated
by the health care agency should be asked to interpret for a client.
F. Return explanation and demonstration (teach-back) are of
particular importance when working with clients of various
backgrounds to ensure safety and mutual understanding.

Some ethnic minorities report hesitancy in seeking health care due to a

language barrier. Ineffective communication between the health care provider and the
client can affect client safety or the client’s ability to comply with follow-up care.
G. Description and population-based risk factors
1. African Americans or Blacks
a. This population has origins in Africa
and the Caribbean.
b. Some in this population may be less
likely to have health insurance
coverage or a regular source of health
care.
c. Nearly 50% of adults have chronic
health conditions. For additional
information, refer to
https://cdn.americanprogress.org/wp-
content/uploads/issues/2010/12/pdf/disparities_factsheet.pdf
d. Obesity, diabetes mellitus,
hypertension, heart disease, asthma,
and cancer are prevalent among this
population.
e. Some leading causes of death among
this population are heart disease,
cancer, and stroke.
2. Hispanics/Latinos
a. This population has origins in Mexico,

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