Biological Variation Strategies

• Biological characteristics that may vary include: race, skin color, body structure, enzymatic and genetic factors, ECG patterns, nutritional preferences and deficiencies, psychological factors, and susceptibility to disease
• Be aware of health risks commonly seen among specific groups:
  • African Americans
  • Asian Americans
  • Mexican Americans
  • Native Americans
• Become familiar with food customs related to health and illness
• Know what can be eaten for certain events, what foods may be eaten together or are forbidden, what and how utensils are used

Review the case studies that follow. Identify appropriate nursing strategies for each of the cases.