Review Questions

Review Questions

1. Explain the Philosophy of Individual Worth and how it relates to work in health care.

The Philosophy of Individual Worth states that every individual has value and worth. In health care, this means that every worker must do his or her best at all times for all patients. The health care worker must provide equal care to all, even under the most demanding circumstances.

2. What is the definition of “culture”?

Culture refers to a wide range of factors, including values, everyday activities, shared beliefs and attitudes, social organization, family and personal relationships, language, religious practices, and concepts of time and space.

3. Give three examples of different cultural approaches to health care for each of the following categories:

Definition of health:

* Absence of disease
* Balance of body energy
* Balance of hot/cold and wet/dry forces in body
* Harmony with nature
* Integration of body/mind/spirit

Sources of good health:

* Nutritious food, rest, good hygiene
* Gift from ancestors
* Good self-care practices, for example, exercise, not smoking
* Reward from God
* Will of God
* Good luck

Causes of illness:

* Blockage or imbalance of body energy
* Disharmony caused by demons or spirits
* Punishment for sins
* Scientifically explained phenomena, for example, microbes
* Will of God

Methods of treatment:

* Acupuncture
* Herbs
* Prayer
* Pharmaceutical drugs
* Surgery

4. What are four ways that the health care worker can determine the individual needs of a patient?

To determine the individual needs of a patient, the health care worker can:

* Observe patient behavior and third-party interactions
* Determine possible language barriers
* Ask questions to determine individual preferences
* Listen carefully to patient comments and responses

5. Give five examples of questions to ask to discover a patient’s needs.

Questions include:

* Is there anything you would like to say about your needs?
* What do you usually do when you feel ill?
* Whom do you normally see to answer your health questions?
* Who will help you at home with your health care?
* Do you object to any medical procedures or practices?

Many other questions can be asked to determine relevant patient needs. Answers should emphasize attempts to determine the individual needs of the patient.

6. What are the five levels of needs described by Maslow?

The five levels of needs:

1) Physiological needs
2) Physical and psychological security
3) Satisfying relations with others
4) Self-esteem
5) Self-actualization

7. Give an example to demonstrate the meaning of each level of need.

Examples may include:

1) Consuming enough food to live
2) Being free from being hit with a weapon
3) Enjoying friendships
4) Feeling good about what you are doing
5) Achieving your desired vocation

There are hundreds of possible examples.

8. What are the common defense mechanisms encountered in health care situations?

Common defense mechanisms include:

* Compensation: substituting something that does not really satisfy a need
* Control: exerting excessive control for lost control
* Denial: saying it is not so
* Displacement: transferring feelings
* Malingering: pretending to be ill
* Projection: blaming someone else
* Rationalization: explaining away a behavior
* Regression: adapting behaviors more appropriate or typical of a younger age
* Repression: blocking out conscious thought
* Withdrawal: refusing to communicate or participate

9. What are the three ways the health care worker can help patients deal with the experience of loss?

To help patients deal with loss, the health care worker should:

* Realize the significance of loss to patients
* Understand loss reactions and the need to grieve
* Be willing to talk with patients who wish to discuss their loss