Saudi Arabia Uses of Generic Substances Example

 A transcultural nurse entered a hospital room in Saudi

Arabia and discovered a mother putting a dark
substance into the eye of her sick ten-month-old child.
 The nurse was knowledgeable about kohl, which is
used for cosmetic and eye conditions according to
Koranic statements.
 The transcultural nurse talked to the mother about why
she used kohl.
 "To make my child beautiful and to prevent diseases,"
the mother explained. The nurse helped the mom to
understand that she used the kohl in the container
containing lead sulfate.
 The nurse advised the mother not to use it because it
could cause serious eye problems.

Southern African American and Pregnancy Example

 The mothers described this tradition as "comforting,"
saying it helped "settle my stomach" and "build up my
blood." The nurse was aware of these cultural beliefs
about generic cultural practices involving the
consumption of small amounts of clay.
 After seeing mothers using clay dirt or Argo, the
pregnant mothers feared negative effects from
community health nurses.
 When one pregnant woman who ate the clay arrived at
the hospital, a string was tied around her abdomen.
The client quickly informed the nurse, "It's for my new baby's protection." She also had a
small pair of scissors under her pillow "to cut the labor pains." The nurses provided
respectful caring and comfort to the mothers while practicing culture-care
accommodation.
 The mothers agreed to use modern professional nursing practices as long as their
traditional substances and practices were preserved.
 When the mothers saw that their beliefs and practices could be used as integrative
generic and professional care practices, they became more trusting of the nurses.

Mexican Nurse and Abortion Example

 Mary, a Mexican professional nurse midwife, was
ordered to participate in a therapeutic abortion by her
supervisor. She is also a devout Roman Catholic who
refused to take part in the abortion because it violated
her religious beliefs.
 The supervisor informed Mary that "other nurses
accepted such assignments and that she did not have
any other nurses available." The supervisor then said,
"Well, you can set up the abortion equipment, supplies, and operating table." Mary
refused this assignment once more, telling the supervisor, "I will be assisting or assisting
 in the murder of an innocent child, and this is participating in murder." The supervisor
was furious, and she later threatened to fire her.
 A significant cultural conflict arose in this situation between the supervisor and the nurse
in charge of caring for a client undergoing abortion. Religious conflicts and situations like
these result in incongruent and unethical professional care practices.
 The nurse's generic values clashed with the supervisor's professional values.