Black hypertension: a transcultural case study using the Betty Neuman model of nursing care.

A case study approach was used to study a 36‐year‐old Southern black female for several weeks following a hypertensive crisis episode. The purpose of the study was to establish trust and understanding between the culturally different black client and white nurse. The Betty Neuman model of nursing care was used in developing an ethnocare plan for the subject. Cultural Stressors identified were: (1) obesity and dietary habits, evidence of the “soul food”; diet and salt, saturated fats, and cholesterol; (2) smoking, used as a coping mechanism when under self‐perceived stress; (3) noncom‐pliance in taking hypertensive drugs, which reflects cultural beliefs and feelings; (4) lack of understanding about the disease process, an example of cultural difference in language and beliefs; (5) inability to be a biological mother (the ability to produce children is perceived by the black culture as necessary to the fulfillment of the woman's role); and (6) living in a hostile environment. The ethnocare plan addressed ea...