What cultural differences would a nurse need to consider with a patient who is Asian?

Question

Sorry, I was told to be prepared for all Asians, so I can't be more specific. Is it coorect to assume some Asian women do not like to make decisions without consulting the male in their life? (Not my opinion, this is in my text, however, I'd like to know real life.)

Answer 1

You do not specify which part of Asia you are referring to -- South Asia (India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Bangladesh), East Asia (China, Japan, Korea) or Southeast Asia (Burma, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, the Philippines).

There are several that I can think of immediately, and they depend upon religion, gender and age of the patient.

A male patient that is a Muslim would not like to be treated by a woman, especially being bathed.
A female patient that is a Muslim would refuse to be treated by a male nurse.
An adult Buddhist would not like to have their head or hair touched at any time by the nurse (male or female) whereas the nurse is allowed to touch a child's head.
Most Asian women do not like to discuss anything sexual (about breasts, genitals, etc) with a male doctor or nurse, or to be seen naked or partially naked, or touched by a male nurse or doctor in the area of her genitals or breasts..

Addendum.

Yes, in some cultures, especially Muslim, the women prefer to defer to their father/husband in making decisions.

What 'Hushpup' said in the following answer is good information.

Answer 2

you sound like a very caring nurse!!

this depends if s/he is very exposed to the western culture. say if s/he grows up in the western society, there should not be anything that you need to be concerned about.

if s/he just recently arrived from his/her country, then i would say minimal physical bodily contact (which could be difficult) but especially if your patient is a female and you are not, holding the waist or down even just for support is a nono. some can freak out if you place your hand even on shoulder. it would be easier if you are of the same gender

I remember when i first arrived in australia and a chummy american dude gave me a friendly hug, i was stoned! and he felt really awkward.

if your patient is able to do things on their own, say get changed, let them do, as personal privacy is a big deal.
mmm, dont joke about the word "die".

arghh.. i dont know, i have never been in that position before, but just remember to always ask if it is ok to.....