A community nurse develops a plan to address the problem of teenage pregnancies. Which of the following actions should the nurse take next?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In this scenario, the correct next step for the community nurse is option C: Provide educational programs at local schools regarding pregnancy prevention. This action is crucial in addressing the issue of teenage pregnancies proactively. By providing educational programs at local schools, the nurse can reach a large number of teenagers and provide them with essential knowledge and skills to prevent unintended pregnancies through contraception, safe sex practices, and understanding reproductive health. Option A, determining the rate of teenage pregnancies, although important for data collection and understanding the scope of the issue, is not the immediate next step. It is more of an initial assessment rather than an action step to address the problem. Option B, evaluating the success of her plan, is premature as the nurse has not yet implemented any interventions. Evaluation comes after the intervention has been carried out. Option D, determining which factors related to teenage pregnancy require intervention, is also a valid step in planning, but providing education and prevention programs should come first to equip teenagers with the necessary knowledge to make informed decisions. In an educational context, providing preventive health education aligns with the principles of health promotion and empowerment. It equips individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to make healthy choices, thereby promoting overall well-being and preventing negative health outcomes. By focusing on education, the nurse can empower teenagers to take control of their reproductive health and make informed decisions to prevent teenage pregnancies.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In the context of pharmacology and health promotion, the correct answer is A) Limited referral sources in the community. Before implementing a depression screening program, it is crucial to ensure that there are adequate referral sources available for individuals who screen positive for depression. This is essential for providing appropriate follow-up care and treatment to those in need. Option B) Limited support groups in the community is not directly related to the implementation of a depression screening program. While support groups can be beneficial, they are not a prerequisite for conducting screenings. Option C) Insufficient evidence that depression screening tools are cost-effective is not a primary concern when planning a screening program. The focus should be on the effectiveness of the screening tools in identifying individuals at risk of depression, rather than solely on cost-effectiveness. Option D) Insufficient evidence that mental health screening is appropriate is not accurate, as depression screenings are well-established and recommended in various healthcare settings. It is important to recognize the value of early detection and intervention in mental health conditions like depression. In an educational context, understanding the importance of assessing community resources, such as referral sources, is vital for healthcare professionals like nurses. By considering the availability of support services, they can ensure that individuals identified through screenings receive timely and appropriate care, thereby promoting overall health and well-being in the community.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is option C: Obtaining blood pressures and discussing the importance of exercise during a screening. This option is the most appropriate because it not only involves assessing a vital sign (blood pressure) but also incorporates education on a key health promotion behavior—exercise. Exercise plays a crucial role in managing health risks such as hypertension and cardiovascular disease. By discussing the importance of exercise during the screening, the nurse empowers community members with knowledge and skills to take control of their health. Option A is incorrect because while obtaining blood pressures and cholesterol levels are important screening measures, it lacks the educational component crucial for health promotion. Option B, obtaining blood pressures and family histories, is valuable for assessing familial risk factors but does not directly empower individuals to manage their own risks. Option D, obtaining blood pressures, cholesterol levels, and glucose levels, is comprehensive but may be overwhelming and not tailored to individual health promotion needs. In an educational context, this question highlights the importance of not only conducting screenings but also engaging individuals in health-promoting conversations. Nurses play a pivotal role in educating communities on preventive health behaviors, and incorporating discussions on exercise during screenings can have a significant impact on empowering individuals to make positive lifestyle changes.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B) Providing education regarding the benefits of smoking cessation. This option aligns with the key principle of health education, which is to provide individuals with information and knowledge to make informed decisions about their health. In the context of smoking cessation, educating individuals about the benefits of quitting can empower them to take action towards improving their health. Option A is incorrect because setting a quit date is a specific action and not a component of health education. Health education focuses on providing information and strategies rather than dictating specific actions. Option C is incorrect because limiting participation in a smoking cessation program based on the use of a specific nicotine replacement system is not inclusive and may not be suitable for all individuals. Health education should be tailored to individual needs and preferences. Option D is incorrect because encouraging attendees to participate in a research study is not a standard health education component. While research studies can provide valuable insights, the primary focus of health education is on providing information and support for behavior change. In an educational context, it is essential for nurses and healthcare providers to understand the principles of health education and how to effectively communicate information to support individuals in making positive health choices. By focusing on providing education about the benefits of smoking cessation, nurses can empower individuals to take control of their health and make informed decisions.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is A) Precontemplation stage of change. The nurse must recognize that the teenager is in the precontemplation stage because the teenager does not see a need to change his smoking habits and is not considering quitting. At this stage, individuals may lack awareness of the negative consequences of their behavior and may not be open to making a change. Option B) Preparation stage of change would be incorrect because the teenager is not actively preparing to make a change or take any action to address his smoking behavior. Option C) Action stage of change is also incorrect as the teenager is not currently taking steps to quit smoking. Option D) Maintenance stage of change is also not applicable as the teenager is not even contemplating making a change at this point. From an educational perspective, understanding the stages of change model in health promotion is crucial for nurses to effectively assess and intervene in behaviors like smoking. By recognizing where individuals are in the stages of change, nurses can tailor interventions to meet the individual's readiness for change, increasing the likelihood of successful behavior modification. It is important for healthcare professionals to approach individuals in the precontemplation stage with empathy, understanding, and motivational interviewing techniques to help them progress towards healthier behaviors.