Chapter 1

　Orienting the Patient to the Unit and Hospital Cultural Notes

1. When the patient is admitted through the admitting office, there must be a general informed consent（知情同意書）signed. This is very important! It is a legal document.

2. When you approach Americans, be aware of body space. If you stand too close, they will feel threatened and very uncomfortable. A good “rule of thumb”＊ is about 8 inches from shoulder to shoulder when you are walking side by side, and at least 2 feet when you are talking face to face. Don’t hold hands with another member of the same sex! When an American feels uncomfortable, he will instinctively move away to a comfortable distance. Don’t feel hurt. It is not personal.（＊Rule of Thumb：根據實際經驗所得的方法）