The view of pregnancy in Elisabeths culture

Elisabeth, a 22-year-old first generation Mexican-American, comes into your office for her initial prenatal visit. You are concerned because Elisabeth’s fundal height is consistent with 32 weeks of gestation and this is her first prenatal visit. Elisabeth, who lives with her husband, four children (ages 6, 4, 3, and 15 months), her mother, her aunt, and her uncle, states that she has been doing well this pregnancy and did not start prenatal care in her previous pregnancies, until she was almost ready to give to birth. She also comments that all the babies were full term with uneventful labors and births. In obtaining the history you note the presence of a safety pin in Elisabeth’s shirt and wonder what this is for. You want to provide culturally competent care to this woman and her family.

• 1. Evidence-Is there sufficient evidence to support the components of culturally competent care for Elisabeth?
• 2. Assumptions-Describe an underlying assumption about culturally competent care for Elisabeth in relation to these topics:
• a. The view of pregnancy in Elisabeth’s culture
• b. The role of family in Elisabeth’s culture
• c. The acceptability for women of Elisabeth’s age to begin having children as such young ages
• d. The religious beliefs that Elisabeth may have that affect contraception
• 3. What implications and priorities for nursing care can be made at this time?
• 4. Does the evidence objectively support your conclusion?