Family Nurse Practitioner Exam

Which of the following statements about traditional Asian cultures' health beliefs is incorrect?

1. An imbalance of hot and cold can cause illness.

2. Family members visit the patient daily for emotional support if very ill.

3. Children wear amulets for protection against illness.

4. Surgical procedures are regarded as important treatment for many illnesses.

The correct answer is: Surgical procedures are regarded as important treatment for many illnesses.

The statement that surgical procedures are regarded as important treatment for many illnesses is incorrect when considering traditional Asian health beliefs. In many traditional Asian cultures, health is viewed through the lens of holistic approaches that emphasize balance in the body, mind, and spirit. Illness is often attributed to imbalances, such as those related to hot and cold or yin and yang. In these cultures, non-invasive treatments such as herbal medicine, acupuncture, dietary adjustments, and spiritual practices typically take precedence over surgical interventions. Surgery may be viewed with caution and only considered in severe cases where other healing methods have failed. Therefore, a belief that surgery is a primary treatment option does not align with the traditional philosophies that prioritize preventive care and holistic healing methods. Other aspects of traditional health beliefs, such as family involvement for emotional support and protective practices like wearing amulets, reflect the cultural emphasis on social support and alternative protective measures rather than reliance on surgical methods.