You are working in a healthcare facility in an area where there is a high population of individuals with Navajo heritage. You meet a young couple who are coming to your facility because the young woman is experiencing symptoms; consistent with what you believe is her being pregnant. You begin to ask the couple questions and notice that they take some time to answer. You have several patients to see so you immediately jump up and start to assess vitals, while still asking questions. You notice that they both begin to get more quiet and the young woman moves away from you slightly as you approach her in your hurried mode. What assumptions were you making during this appointment and how might you have handled this in a more culturally competent manner?

• What assumptions have been made
• What cultural context is impacting this interaction
• How would you have handled this differently