Main Post Wk 2
Diversity and Health Assessment
Case 2
My selected patient is TJ a 32-year-old pregnant lesbian with vaginal discharge.
Being a lesbian in our society today has a lot of stereotypes believe from the population which has affected many lesbians in various ways like socioeconomic status, health or spiritual life. Most people are learning to understand who lesbians are, and are trying to accommodate them in the social norms. According to Mehta, (2017) health care providers are ready to care for their patient despite their sexuality and gender but are unable, because of the lack of a proper understanding of their health needs. Some lesbians are unable to find a job which makes it difficult financially to live a healthy life. Being culturally competent will help to take away stereotype believe of
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Health care professionals need to reinforce their cultural competence in other to be comfortable working with bisexuals’ patients, taking an accurate health history to treat them better. Lesbians are very sensitive when one tries to assess their sexual behavior history. Therefore, health care professionals need to be conscious when they ask questions.
Sensitive issues
Base on the stigma on lesbians, TJ will be sensitive about her sexually and disclosing to everyone who may have negative connotations about her choice as a lesbian. As a healthcare professional asking her about the history of her sexual behavior will require well thoughtful question and approach that will not hurt her feelings or prevent her from disclosing information that is needed for her care. As explain by Ball et al., (2015), be certain that you are on the same page with the patient, that is, you understand what she means, and she does the same for you, avoid assumptions and believes.
Questions for health