The nurse is providing discharge instructions to a Chinese American client regarding prescribed dietary modifications. During the teaching session, the client continuously turns away from the nurse. The nurse should implement which best action?

Continue with the instructions, verifying client understanding.Walk around the client so that the nurse constantly faces the client.Give the client a dietary booklet and return later to continue with the instructions.Tell the client about the importance of the instructions for the maintenance of health care.

Explanation.

Most Chinese Americans maintain a formal distance with others, which is a form of respect. Many Chinese Americans are uncomfortable with face-to-face communications, especially when eye contact is direct. If the client turns away from the nurse during a conversation, the best action is to continue with the conversation. Walking around the client so that the nurse faces the client is in direct conflict with this cultural practice. The client may consider it a rude gesture if the nurse returns later to continue with the explanation. Telling the client about the importance of the instructions for the maintenance of health care may be viewed as degrading.