TJ, a 32-year-old pregnant lesbian Case study

TJ, a 32-year-old pregnant lesbian, is being seen for an annual physical exam and has been having vaginal discharge.
In May 2012, Alice Randall wrote an article for The New York Times on the cultural factors that encouraged black women to maintain a weight above what is considered healthy. Randall explained—from her observations and her personal experience as a black woman—that many African-American communities and cultures consider women who are overweight to be more beautiful and desirable than women at a healthier weight. As she put it, “Many black women are fat because we want to be” (Randall, 2012).

Randall’s statements sparked a great deal of controversy and debate; however, they emphasize an underlying reality in the health care field: different populations, cultures, and groups have diverse beliefs and practices that impact their health. Nurses and health care professionals should be aware of this reality and adapt their health assessment techniques and recommendations to accommodate diversity.

In this Discussion, you will consider different socioeconomic, spiritual, lifestyle, and other cultural factors that should be taken into considerations when building a health history for patients with diverse backgrounds.

Case 1

JC, an at-risk 86-year-old Asian male is physically and financially dependent on his daughter, a single mother who has little time or money for her father’s health needs. He has a hx of hypertension (HTN), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), b12 deficiency, and chronic prostatitis. He currently takes Lisinopril 10mg QD, Prilosec 20mg QD, B12 injections monthly, and Cipro 100mg QD. He comes to you for an annual exam and states “I came for my annual physical exam, but do not want to be a burden to my daughter.”

Case 2

TJ, a 32-year-old pregnant lesbian, is being seen for an annual physical exam and has been having vaginal discharge. Her pregnancy has been without complication thus far. She has been receiving prenatal care from an obstetrician. She received sperm from a local sperm bank. She is currently taking prenatal vitamins and takes Tylenol over the counter for aches and pains on occasion. She a strong family history of diabetes. Gravida 1; Para 0; Abortions 0.
When conducting a health history for patients like JC and TJ, it is important to consider the diverse socioeconomic, spiritual, lifestyle, and other cultural factors that may impact their health.

In the case of JC, it is important to be aware of the financial and physical dependence he has on his daughter, which may impact his ability to seek medical care and manage his health conditions. As a health care professional, it is important to consider his age and his chronic health conditions, including hypertension, GERD, B12 deficiency, and chronic prostatitis, when conducting a health assessment. Understanding his current medications, including Lisinopril, Prilosec, B12 injections, and Cipro, is also important in providing comprehensive care.

In the case of TJ, being pregnant and a lesbian, it is important to consider the unique needs and experiences she may have during her pregnancy. Her sexual orientation and family history of diabetes should also be taken into account when conducting a health assessment and providing recommendations for prenatal care. Additionally, the fact that she received sperm from a sperm bank and is taking prenatal vitamins and Tylenol over the counter should be noted in her health history.

In both cases, it is important for health care professionals to consider the diverse cultural and individual factors that may impact the health of their patients and to provide culturally sensitive and responsive care.