A community health nurse is educating health care providers in a local clinic about steps to take to help their clients improve their health-related behaviors. Which of the following would be included as the nurse teaches about the acronym LEARN?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In the context of health promotion and behavior change, the acronym LEARN stands for Listen, Explain, Acknowledge, Recommend, and Negotiate. The correct answer, option C, "Negotiate an agreement," is crucial in the process of helping clients improve their health-related behaviors. Negotiating an agreement involves collaborating with clients to set realistic and achievable goals based on their individual needs and preferences. This approach empowers clients to take ownership of their health and increases the likelihood of successful behavior change. Option A, "Explain how small changes can affect health," while important, does not encompass the full process of behavior change and client engagement as effectively as negotiation does. Option B, "Acknowledge that action needs to be taken," is a general statement that lacks the specificity and active involvement required in the behavior change process. Option D, "Refer to community resources," may be a helpful step in supporting behavior change, but it is not as directly related to the collaborative process of negotiation outlined in the LEARN acronym. Educationally, understanding and applying the LEARN acronym can enhance the effectiveness of health care providers, including nurses, in facilitating behavior change with their clients. By focusing on active listening, clear explanations, acknowledging clients' perspectives, making appropriate recommendations, and negotiating achievable goals, providers can build trusting relationships and support clients in making sustainable health-related behavior changes.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In the context of lower back pain management, the correct answer is B) Pilates. Pilates focuses on core strength, flexibility, and posture, which are essential for supporting the lower back and relieving pain. Pilates exercises target the deep abdominal muscles, pelvic floor muscles, and back muscles, promoting better alignment and stability in the spine. Walking, swimming, and bike riding are also beneficial exercises for overall health and fitness, but they may not specifically target the core muscles and provide the same level of support for lower back pain as Pilates. Walking can be helpful for general movement and cardiovascular health, swimming is great for low-impact full-body workout, and bike riding can improve leg strength, but they may not directly address the underlying issues contributing to lower back pain. In an educational context, it's important for nurses to understand the rationale behind recommending specific exercises for pain management. By knowing the principles of how different exercises impact the body, nurses can provide more tailored and effective recommendations to help individuals alleviate their lower back pain and improve their overall quality of life.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In this scenario, the correct action for the nurse to take is to develop an exercise prescription with the man who is ready to start exercising. This option (C) is the most appropriate because it involves active participation and collaboration with the individual to create a plan tailored to his needs and capabilities. Providing information on the benefits of exercising (option B) may be helpful but may not be as effective as working together to create a personalized exercise plan. Doing nothing (option A) is not advisable as it misses the opportunity for the nurse to support the individual's health goals actively. Scheduling a follow-up in 2 months (option D) is not as immediate and proactive as developing an exercise prescription right away. In an educational context, it is crucial for nurses to understand the principles of health promotion and behavior change. By engaging individuals in the process of creating a plan, nurses empower them to take ownership of their health and increase the likelihood of successful behavior modification. This approach fosters a collaborative and patient-centered care environment, leading to better health outcomes.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: In the context of health promotion and nursing, the concept of "presence" is crucial for effective communication and building a therapeutic relationship with patients. The correct answer, D, "practices active listening and focuses on what is being said," is the most appropriate because it highlights the essence of being fully engaged and attentive to the person speaking. Active listening involves not only hearing the words but also understanding the emotions, non-verbal cues, and underlying meanings conveyed by the speaker. Option A, "is in the same room as another," is incorrect as physical proximity alone does not guarantee true presence or effective communication. Being physically present does not necessarily translate to being emotionally or mentally engaged with the other person. Option B, "multitasks in order to examine all aspects of a situation," is incorrect because multitasking can undermine the quality of communication and diminish the depth of understanding. True presence requires undivided attention and focus on the person and their message. Option C, "sets goals in response to what another is saying," is incorrect as it pertains more to the concept of goal-setting and action planning rather than being present in the moment during a conversation. In educational contexts, understanding the importance of presence in communication can help nurses improve patient outcomes, enhance patient satisfaction, and build trust and rapport. By actively listening and being present, nurses can better understand patient needs, provide empathetic care, and promote health and well-being effectively.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D) “Tell me how you treat your asthma at home. What treatments work especially well for you?” This question is most appropriate because it focuses on the individual's specific health condition and treatment preferences, allowing the nurse to gather valuable information about the patient's self-management of asthma. Option A is incorrect because it assumes the individual takes herbal medicines without evidence, potentially leading to misinformation. Option B is inappropriate as it dictates what the patient can or cannot do without exploring their perspective. Option C is not ideal as it assumes herbal products should be discontinued without assessing their importance to the patient's health beliefs and practices. In an educational context, it's crucial for nurses to ask open-ended questions that encourage patients to express their beliefs, preferences, and practices regarding healthcare. Understanding a patient's cultural background and individualized care practices is essential in providing culturally competent care and promoting health outcomes. Asking about self-management strategies for a specific condition like asthma helps tailor care plans to the patient's needs and preferences.