Discussion on Health and Wellness in Nursing (Module 4)

This discussion board post, originating from a nursing module, examines the multifaceted concept of health and wellness. The author initiates the discussion by highlighting the importance of preventative care, the impact of socioeconomic status on access to healthcare, and the significance of early diagnosis through cervical cancer screening. The post also delves into the influence of cultural diversity on patient care, illustrating this with a case study where cultural sensitivity was crucial in providing appropriate care. Furthermore, the post includes responses to other students, addressing the impact of time constraints on healthcare access and the importance of communication and cultural understanding in patient care. The discussion emphasizes the need for nurses to consider both socioeconomic and cultural factors to deliver effective and equitable care.

Module 4 1
MODULE 4 DISCUSSION
STUDENTS NAME
INSTITUTIONAL AFFILIATION

Module 4 2
Initial post discussion1
The overall perception of the concept health and wellness is built on the belief that healthcare
involves prevention diagnosis and treatment. The idea that health cannot be fully described as the
absence of illness. In my nursing career I have found this issue to be very debatable. In the
healthcare facilities, I have dealt with a patient with stage 4 cervical cancer. Most of them are
low income earners whose main approach in health has generally been the absence or presence
of an illness. Screening process for cervical cancer has a very positive impact on the prognosis
and altering the disease process of an illness. Those of the upper socio economic class in the
society have an advantage of using this procedure as they can afford them. Most of them are
diagnosed at an early stage offering a better chance for intervention and subsequent results
therewith. Most have an insurance policy that can fund the screening process hence providing a
better outcome.
In my practice, I have discovered that the healthcare seeking behavior has a correlation with the
social class (Friedman, Bowden & Jones, 2003). Those of the upper class have an advantage over
those of the middle and low classes. Education level is also a factor that influences health
seeking behavior those of the middle class. Those with knowledge in the middle class can save
some for healthcare prevention as opposed to those without knowledge of it. Prevention
measures in healthcare are mostly popular among the upper class in the society and families.
References
Friedman, M.M., Bowden, V.R., & Jones, E.G. (2003). Family nursing: Research, theory, and
practice (5th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.

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Initial post discussion 2.
Our profession advocates for equality and justice in the provision of care. The quality of care is a
subject to the interaction between the patient and the nurse. Working in a society of diverse
cultural practices, it is essential to understand the art of appreciating others culture and
addressing the issues that touch on patient care (Friedman, Bowden & Jones, 2003). In my
practice, I have had a chance of appreciating this fact. I was working in a certain neighborhood
as a nurse in the urology department in a certain hospital. A male patient had been examined by a
consultant and fixing of a catheter was recommended due to the inability to pass urine. The only
doctor on call was a young female doctor recently employed. She was the one to perform the
procedure. The patient was reluctant and refused consent. On further investigation, the patient
explained that according to his culture, the young lady was not supposed to do any procedures
that included her touching his genitals. However, it was okay to watch her but not to touch her.
She invited me to carry out the procedure while she watched. The recognition of the cultural
diversity and accepting the patient’s culture helped understand the patient’s reservations and
offered a solution that was best for everyone.
References
Friedman, M.M., Bowden, V.R., & Jones, E.G. (2003). Family nursing: Research, theory, and
practice (5th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.

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Discussion 1
Response to Rebecca Kershner.
This is a good post. You have brought out the aspect of time in healthcare seeking behavior. In as
much as the patients require funding for healthcare, the issue of the time is an important
determining factor. The class of people in the society who might not get the time suffer as they
are made to choose between health and their income.
Response to Brittany Kelly
This is a captivating post. You have clearly brought out the issue of socio economic status of the
patient and the influence this has on their wellbeing and their health seeking behavior. I agree
with you that most advanced stages of illness are discovered in those who cannot seek help at
early stages, which is highly influenced by the class or family.
Discussion 2
Response to Benjamin James.
This is an excellent post. I agree with you that communication is a very important aspect of
patient care. Understanding the cultural background enables the nurse to formulate a care plan
that does not conflict with the culture of the patient. The whole process involves communication
to bring about an understanding. This makes the relationship yield the best results. This benefits
both the patient and healthcare provider.
Response to Brittany Kelly.
This is a very good post. The religious beliefs and practices comprise the culture people. I agree
with you that patients have a right to healthcare provision with consideration of their cultural

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inclination. Patients’ beliefs and cultures are important considerations in making decisions
pertaining patient care. The nurse being an advocate for a patient, should base their interventions
on what is acceptable. This is part of the spiritual wellbeing of a patient. I agree on the issue of
compromise in order to come to an agreement.