Comment 1

Vulnerable populations are different from people at risk.  According to Stanhope & Lancaster (2014), “A population at risk refers to a population with a common identified risk factor or risk of exposure that poses a threat to their health”. (p.189). For instance, hypertensive and overweight people are a t risk for cardiovascular diseases. The people within this group have the potential to develop adverse health conditions as a result of a risk factor that they are exposed to.  Some people are more likely to develop a health condition due to exposure to risk as compared to others and this makes them more vulnerable.  A vulnerable population refers to a group of people who are more likely to develop health conditions due to exposure to risk as compared to others (Taylor, et.al. 2011). Some of the factors that increase vulnerability include poverty and low socio-economic statuses. The vulnerable populations general have higher mortality and morbidity as compared to others.

Lack of access to resources highly contributes to vulnerability. For instance they have many limitations including chronic stress, unsafe housing exposure to crime and violence, language barriers and lack of access to healthcare.  It is therefore common for these people to become immobilized and lack the drive and ability to advocate for themselves (Kelly, 2012). Disenfranchised vulnerable people such as immigrants and the homeless lack support systems and they therefore need advocacy assistance. I would advocate for the elderly in the society because they are vulnerable to emotion physical and socio-economic strains. Old people generally require special attention for purposes of maintenance and promotion of health.  Some of the ethical issues that should be addressed with respect to advocating for the elderly people including keeping their health statuses confidential to avoid exposing them to ridicule and pity from the public.

Comment 2

Providing cultural competence is when a health care provider can adapt and/or incorporate to cultural or linguistic needs during any healthcare encounter. Examples of a culturally appropriate care is having ancillary staff such as interpreters, chaplains, social workers that are available and knowledgeable about various cultures and values during an admission intake, educating on Diabetes, or providing spiritual care. In the community health setting, it would be important for the nurse to establish effective communication regarding treatment and care.  Cultural preservation in nursing is identifying and supporting a action/behavior that benefits the patient. For example, Chinese cultures view certain foods as hot and cold, hot foods are high energy and cold are low energy, incorporating this into a patient’s stay as his/her diet allowed would be an example of this. Cultural accommodation is accepting practices during health care that do not negatively impact care. Having patient’s families bring in a rosary to lay at the bedside. Cultural re-pattering requires the nurse to adjust health behaviors that are detrimental to care, such as educating a patient newly diagnosed with DM on how to incorporate cultural foods at a smaller more balanced approach in order to manage blood glucose and prevent complications.