Nursing Assignment Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD)

1Running head: NURSING
Nursing
Name of student:
Name of university:
Author note:

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1.
In the present case study, Shakira is suffering from Rheumatic heart disease (RHD)
which refers to the condition of damaged heart valves due to episodes of acute rheumatic
fever (ARF). ARF leads to inflammation of the heart, as a result of which the normal blood
flow is restricted. The complications arising due to this condition include endocarditis and
stroke (Rothenbühler et al., 2014). Social determinants of health influence an individual’s
health outcome, and for Shakira the two significant social determinants are unemployment
and social isolation. These two factors have led to inadequate access to healthcare. Living in
an isolated rural area and the poor economic condition has restricted the sufficient access to
healthcare that could have a prevented the occurrence of RHD. Unemployment has a negative
impact on the decision making process around care provided to an individual. In the present
case, Shakira’s mother’s poor economic condition has led to an improper care approach
towards Shakira (Roberts et al., 2015). As per reports, aboriginal individuals suffer more
chances of developing RHD than the nonindigenous population, and this chance is 64 times
greater (rhdaustralia.org.au, 2017).
2.
a. Cultural awareness refers to the capability of a healthcare professional in being aware and
knowledgeable about the cultural beliefs, values and traditions of other individuals that are
distinctly different. A nurse needs to carry out research to become aware of the cultural
background of Shakira and have a successful interaction (Holland, 2017).
b. Cultural sensitivity refers to the ability of a healthcare professional to perceive the cultural
similarities and dissimilarities between two different individuals in a positive approach
without disrespecting the other individual. A nurse needs to acknowledge the cultural beliefs

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and values of Shakira and not underestimate them while communicating with her (Norton &
Marks-Maran, 2014).
3.1.
The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Act 2005 had been established to promote
the level of self-sufficiency and independence of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
population. The Act had been significant for focusing on the development of economic as
well as the cultural status of this population through different programs (Willis et al., 2016).
3.2.
a. The impact of colonisation on the health outcomes of the Aboriginal population is
noteworthy. The reduced life expectancy of the population and the high rate of prevalence of
a number of health conditions can be linked to the suffering and turmoil experienced by this
population as a result of the colonisation. Due to the colonisation, there have been chaos and
disturbances that have ultimately led to disputes and poor economic growth. Development
and growth in different domains have been restricted to a considerable extent. The
Aboriginals have therefore suffered physical and mental health concerns arising from loss,
abuse and anguish. Disconnection from the mainland and non-indigenous population have
added to the issues (Griffiths et al., 2016).
4.
a. Consultation with community representatives would be a key approach to be taken on the
enrolled nurse’s part in establishing an effective communication and building rapport that is
culturally safe and appropriate. A community representative would be in a better position to
understand the ethnic and cultural beliefs and systems of the aboriginal patient. A
consultation with the representative would ensure that his advice is taken while