Cultural competence is defined as “a set of congruent behaviors, attitudes, and policies that come together in a system or agency among professionals that allow for effective interactions in an intercultural framework” (Taylor & Croccante 2008, page 119). If a patient feels disrespected by their healthcare provider, they may not cooperate or refuse treatment and may not return to the healthcare facility. Patients who feel safe and respected are more likely to continue using the healthcare system, compared to patients who feel unsafe and discriminated against. It is for reasons such as these that the sociocultural status of the patient must be taken into account while a breathing assessment is undertaken (Peate 2010, p..