To reduce ethnocentrism, nurses should not rely on which of the following?

Relying fully on verbal and non-verbal communication can lead to misunderstandings and misinterpretations, particularly in a multicultural context. While effective communication is essential in nursing practice, it is equally important to understand the cultural nuances and context behind how individuals express themselves. Different cultures may have varied ways of conveying emotions, expectations, and health beliefs through both verbal and non-verbal cues.

For instance, non-verbal communication, such as gestures, eye contact, and personal space, can vary significantly from one culture to another. Thus, full dependence on these cues without comprehensive cultural knowledge may reinforce ethnocentric attitudes, as it risks interpreting behaviors purely through the lens of the nurse's own cultural background.

A more effective approach involves integrating knowledge about various ethnicities, cultures, and their respective health belief systems, which enables nurses to provide care that is respectful and sensitive to the cultural identities of their patients. This integration also empowers nurses to engage in active listening and to ask clarifying questions that honor cultural differences, further minimizing potential biases resulting from ethnocentrism.