A nurse is conducting a community health needs assessment. Which of the following data sources would be the most useful for identifying health priorities in the community?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Community member surveys. This is because community member surveys directly capture the perspectives and experiences of the individuals living in the community. By collecting data from community members, the nurse can gain insight into their specific health needs, concerns, and priorities. This information is crucial for identifying the most relevant health issues within the community and tailoring interventions accordingly. State health department reports (A), county health department data (C), and national health surveys (D) may provide valuable general health information, but they may not capture the unique and specific health priorities of the local community. These sources might not reflect the actual experiences and perspectives of the people living in the community, making them less useful for identifying localized health priorities.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Encouraging walking groups in the community. This strategy promotes social support, accountability, and community engagement, which are crucial for sustaining physical activity long-term. Walking groups are cost-effective, inclusive, and accessible for all fitness levels. A: Providing free fitness classes may not address social barriers or ensure long-term engagement. C: Offering gym memberships may not be sustainable for the entire community and may not address cultural or social factors. D: Conducting a survey is important for understanding barriers but may not directly increase physical activity levels.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Providing prenatal care education to all women of childbearing age. This strategy is the most effective as it focuses on preventive measures and empowers women with knowledge to promote maternal and child health outcomes. Prenatal care education helps women make informed decisions about their health during pregnancy, reducing risks and complications. Choice B (Offering free childbirth classes) is beneficial but not as comprehensive as prenatal care education. Choice C (Promoting breast-feeding) is important but does not address the broader spectrum of maternal and child health. Choice D (Ensuring immunization) is crucial for child health but does not directly impact maternal health. Overall, prenatal care education targets a critical period in women's health and has a wide-reaching impact on maternal and child well-being.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Environmental factors refer to external elements that can impact community health. Nutritious food availability directly affects health outcomes by preventing malnutrition and chronic diseases. It influences overall well-being and disease prevention. B: Genetic makeup is an intrinsic factor, not an environmental factor. C: Health care providers' knowledge is important but not an environmental factor. D: Access to medical treatment is crucial but falls under healthcare infrastructure, not environmental factors. In summary, A is correct as it directly impacts community health, while the other choices are either intrinsic or related to healthcare services.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Environmental health impact assessments. These assessments provide comprehensive data on environmental health hazards in a community, including air and water quality, waste management, and potential risks. This data is crucial for identifying and addressing environmental health issues proactively. Incorrect choices: A: State health department reports may provide general health data but may not specifically focus on environmental health hazards. B: Community health surveys may capture some information on environmental health, but they may not be as comprehensive or reliable as formal impact assessments. D: Hospital admission data is useful for understanding healthcare needs but does not directly provide information on environmental health hazards.