A patient of Japanese heritage avoids asking for narcotics for pain relief.The nurse writes a nursing diagnosis of Pain related to reluctance to take medication secondary to cultural beliefs.If the cultural archetype is true for this particular patient,this probably means that the patient views pain as:

A) A punishment for immoral behavior
B) An expected, normal part of life
C) Best treated with herbal teas and prayer
D) A virtue and a matter of family honor

Patients of Japanese heritage may view pain as a virtue and a matter of family honor.They may be more accepting of pain medications if the nurse reassures them that pain control enhances healing.Patients of Mexican heritage may view pain as punishment for immoral behavior.Those of Navajo Indian heritage commonly view pain as a part of life,whereas those of Puerto Rican heritage may feel that pain is best treated with herbal teas and prayer.Keep in mind that these are all archetypes and do not necessarily apply to all members of a cultural group.