Level 1 Heading: Giger & Davidhizar Transcultural Assessment Model The Giger and Davidhizar Transcultural Assessment Model contains six categories that organize a culture such that the nurse can provide culturally …show more content…
Communication refers to both a verbal and a nonverbal language. Verbal communication can present with discrepancies among cultures such as a word having a different meaning in two different languages, different language dialects among the same language the use of formal and informal words, and grammar. Interpreters can often serve as a noteworthy resource if the nurse is not familiar with the verbal communication style of the patient.
Nonverbal communication refers to such acts as lack or presence of eye contact, touching, hand gestures, and body language. For example, when caring for a client from Ghana, arms and hands should be “kept behind the body to show respect” (Galanti, 2008). In contrast, when caring for a client from Vietnam, “it is a sign of disrespect to keep your hands in back” (Galanti, 2008). It becomes extremely evident that becoming culturally aware is the difference between giving culturally competent care, or