Nursing and the Torres Strait Islander and the Aboriginal People

Running head: NURSING AND THE TORESS STRAIT ISLANDER AND THE
ABORIGINAL PEOPLE 1
Nursing and the Torres Strait Islander and the Aboriginal People
Student’s Name
Institution Affiliation
Date of Submission

NURSING AND THE TORESS STRAIT ISLANDER AND THE ABORIGINAL PEOPLE 2
Nursing and the Torres Strait Islander and the Aboriginal People
Question 1
Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD) is a condition related to strep throat. A group ‘A’ bacteria
known as Streptococcus causes this condition. The bacterium causes throat infection and if not
detected and treated early, it can cause permanent damage to the heart leading to stroke or even
death. In cases where a child experiences recurring or untreated throat infections, it can cause
rheumatic fever. RHD is caused by overcrowding, poor sanitation, and air pollutions just to
mention a few. Therefore, Shakira might have contracted the condition from this kind of
environment. Other than the environment, the environment can also be inherited. In this case,
Shakira might have inherited this kind of gene from her father or mother. Early diagnosis and
treatment are essential (O’Sullivan, 2013). In Shakira’s case, she needs a daily dose of antibiotics
until she is 25 years of age to prevent recurrence of the condition and to prevent the development
of heart infections and other bacterial endocarditis.
Question 2
(a) Cultural Awareness
Cultural safety in health care delivery involves placing substantial consideration to cultural
sensitivity and cultural awareness to all the patients (Nursing council of New Zealand, 2012). In
this case, practicing nurses are expected to provide quality and safe health care by considering
the issue of cultural diversity; this can be achieved by recognizing and respecting cultural

NURSING AND THE TORESS STRAIT ISLANDER AND THE ABORIGINAL PEOPLE 3
diversities. Further, enrolled nurses should respect the rights of individuals from other cultures in
order to meet their needs and expectations (Faculty of Health, 2013)
(b) Cultural Sensitivity
According to the American Council of Gynecologists and Obstetricians, cultural sensitivity is the
code of conduct whereby a practicing nurse has the knowledge and interpersonal skills that
enable them to understand, appreciate and work with individuals from a culture different from
their own. A good example of cultural sensitivity is the Amish couple who come from a minority
group in America who do not consider enrolling for any kind of medical insurance because of
their culture. After the couple went through a cesarean, is when a nurse advised them to enroll in
Medicaid. In such a case, the nurse was culturally sensitive; this enabled her to recognize that the
couple was not using the government aid. Therefore, by helping the couple enroll in Medicaid,
the nurse will be in a position to reach the community (McGough, Wynaden & Wright, 2017).
Question 3.1
The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Act 2005 stipulate that the government to,
(a) Involve the people in the formulation and the implementation of policies that affect them
(b) Promote the self- management and self- adequacy of this people
(c) Enhance and promote the overall development of this population (The Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander Act, 2005).
(d) Involve this group of people in the formulation and the implementation of policies by the
Commonwealth, the State, territorial, and local governments without the deviation of
responsibilities.