CHCDIV002 Promote Aboriginal And/Or Torres Strait Islander - Assignment Solution

Answer 1

Rheumatic heart disease is a condition in which one or more valves of the heart become damaged. It is caused by a Streptococcus A bacteria that affects the throat and results in a rheumatic fever.

A. Overcrowding has been proven to be the main cause of RHD in children due to compromised sanitation (Coffey, 2018).

B. Unemployment results in improper food and health care which might be one of the main causes of RHD.

One of the main hindrances in the treatment is unemployment. It causes lack of basic resources which are the primary needs of the family. Also Ruby’s treatment includes monthly visits to the city which is unaffordable (Kathryn V Roberts, 2015)

Ruby needs penicillin antibiotic injections after every 3 weeks for next 10 years. She also needs detailed cardiac ultra sound test called Echocardiography as a follow up.

The occurrence of RHD leading to HF is higher in Aboriginals than in mainstream population due to less exposure to culturally safe health settings, poverty, exposure to streptococci bacteria, overcrowding etc (Tiew-Hwa Katherine Teng, 2014). According to statistics, Aboriginal versus non-Aboriginal HF incidence rates ( due to RHD) were 11-times higher in Aboriginal men and 23-times higher in Aboriginal women.

Answer 2

Cultural awareness is the acceptance of one’s own culture and to believe that people with different cultures exists. To be able to empathize and understand the reason behind one’s thinking process.

Example: An Aboriginal woman refuses treatment as she strongly believes in treatment from the old traditional ways of her elders. Her apprehension is a result of years of mistrust in health care system. Enrolled nurses should respect her sentiments and empathize.

Cultural sensitivity is defined as one’s capability to identify and react suitably to the actions of individuals who belong to a completely contrasting culture.

Example: A patient wishes to involve a community elder in health consultation. As a nurse, it is our duty to understand and react in a positive manner and make arrangements