Course Summary
This two-hour continuing education course explores how cultural and physiologic factors intersect to create hidden risks in respiratory assessment—particularly among Muslim women who observe strict modesty practices and individuals with darker skin tones. Learners will examine how faith-based dress, gender norms, and modesty expectations may limit physical assessment and communication in clinical settings.
Special emphasis is placed on the bias inherent in pulse oximetry, which can overestimate oxygen saturation in patients with increased melanin. When coupled with facial coverings such as the burqa or niqab, these limitations can mask signs of respiratory distress and delay life-saving care.
Through evidence-based content, case simulation, and reflective discussion, nurses will gain the knowledge and cultural awareness needed to identify, assess, and intervene effectively when hypoxia is not readily visible. The course highlights both the ethical responsibility and practical skill required to protect dignity, equity, and safety in diverse patient populations.
Learning Objectives
- Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:
- Explain the principles of modesty ḥayāʾ in Islam and describe how these beliefs influence patient autonomy, privacy, and interaction with healthcare staff.
- Recognize how gender norms and cultural expectations can affect assessment, communication, and patient comfort in clinical encounters.
- Describe the physiologic principles of pulse oximetry, including how melanin levels and perfusion impact accuracy of oxygen saturation readings.
- Identify the signs and symptoms of hypoxia in patients with darker skin tones or when direct visualization is limited by clothing or coverings.
- Apply culturally sensitive nursing interventions that maintain modesty while ensuring accurate assessment and timely oxygenation support.
- Interpret arterial blood gas, ABG, results and correlate them with physical findings when pulse oximetry values appear inconsistent with clinical presentation.
- Demonstrate professional communication strategies that balance faith-based sensitivity with evidence-based urgency during respiratory emergencies.
- Reflect on one’s own emotional or physiological reactions when addressing modesty-related care and practice grounding strategies to maintain empathy and professionalism.
Required Disclosures
This nursing continuing professional development , NCPD, activity, “When the Numbers Lie: Pulse Oximetry Bias Exacerbated by Modesty Requirements Among Muslim Patients,” was approved by the Oregon Nurses Association, an accredited approver by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.
Criteria for Awarding Contact Hours:
Participants must complete the full online course, participate in all learning activities, and achieve a score of ≥70% on the post-test to receive 2.0 contact hours.
Financial Relationships:
None of the planners, authors, or faculty have relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies to disclose.
Commercial Support:
No commercial support was received for this activity.
Expiration Date:
This enduring activity expires on [Month, Day, Year — usually two years from approval date].
Provider:
Health & Educational Consultants, DBA Nurse Re-Entry LLC., info@nursereentry.com
