ASSESSING AND DIAGNOSING PATIENTS WITH SUBSTANCE-RELATED AND ADDICTIVE DISORDERS
An important consideration when working with patients is their cultural background. Understanding an individual’s culture and personal experiences provides insight into who the person is and where he or she may progress in the future. Culture helps to establish a sense of identity, as well as to set values, behaviors, and purpose for individuals within a society. Culture may also contribute to a divide between specific interpretations of cultural behavior and societal norms. What one culture may deem as appropriate another culture may find inappropriate. As a result, it is important for advanced practice nurses to remain aware of cultural considerations and interpretations of behavior for diagnosis, especially with reference to substance-related disorders. At the same time, PMHNPs must balance their professional and legal responsibilities for assessment and diagnosis with such cultural considerations and interpretations.
practice assessing and diagnosing a patient in a case study who is experiencing a substance-related or addictive disorder. With this and all cases, remember to consider the patient’s cultural background.
Sample Answer
Case Study:
Patient: Mr. Javier Rodriguez, a 45-year-old Hispanic male, recently immigrated from a rural area in Mexico to the United States. He presents to the clinic with his wife, who expresses concern about his increased alcohol consumption. She reports that he drinks heavily most evenings, often until he passes out. She also describes changes in his behavior, including increased irritability, social withdrawal, and difficulty maintaining employment. Mr. Rodriguez admits to drinking but denies any problems. He attributes his drinking to stress related to adjusting to a new culture, missing his family, and difficulty finding stable work. He mentions that drinking is a common way to relax and socialize in his community back home.