A newly admitted client with bone cancer tells the nurse that the folk healer has not been able to help him. What principle of culturally competent care will the nurse keep in mind during the client's conventional medical course of treatment?

• A. All people have the right to care based on their personal preferences and values
• B. Folk healers should be avoided at all costs
• C. Medical professionals know best for all patients
• D. Patients should always follow the physician's advice solely

Answer: (A)

Respecting patient autonomy and cultural beliefs is essential in culturally competent care. In this situation, the client is navigating conventional medical treatment for bone cancer while also holding onto healing beliefs from a folk healer. The best approach is to honor the client’s right to care based on his personal preferences and values, and to engage him in shared decision-making. This means providing clear information about the current treatment, addressing safety concerns, and, if possible, supporting safe integration of his beliefs with the medical plan rather than dismissing them. Dismissing or overriding his beliefs, or insisting that professionals always know best or that he must follow the physician’s advice exclusively, fails to respect his cultural context and his right to choose.