CULTURE AND COMPLEMENTARY THERAPIES Martina Fernandez is a 65-year-old Hispanic woman who has had diabetes for 42 years. She is admitted to the hospital with extreme circulatory deficiency and evidence of early gangrene of the left foot. After speaking with her family members, she decides to go ahead with a below-the knee amputation. Following surgery, she had a stroke and the nurses gave her medications to dissolve the clot. As the day progressed, she got progressively worse; none of the medication seems to be working. By the next day, she didn’t even try to speak but would squeeze the nurse’s hand when spoken to. Mrs. Fernandez who is a widow lives with 5 of her children (all married with Kids). Mrs. Fernandez children are asking questions …show more content…
What folk/healing belief practise(s) is present in this case? Answer: In the Hispanic culture, family is very important healing system. Hispanic individuals usually seek advice from family members about medical procedures and decision. Whatever is mutually agreed upon by the family members usually stands as the final decision. Also in Hispanic culture, Home remedies and herbal knowledge are usually passed on from mother to daughter. Hence, nurses should consider including family members in the decision making process of a Hispanic patient if need be. Another folk healing belief that is used in this case is the use of herbs, ointments, concoctions for healing. In this case study the use of herbal remedy is apparent. The herbal remedy used in this case scenario may have been recommended by a Curandero. A Curandero who is a folk healer in the Hispanic culture is knowledgeable about the use of herbs and plants to heal illness. The help of a Curandero is usually sought out by individuals or family members experiencing illness. The herb that is suggested by the Curandero is then used to treat the illness. 3. What are the nursing interventions that can be implemented to facilitate communication between the client and her