A public health nurse is planning a campaign to increase immunization rates among children in a low-income community. Which intervention should the nurse prioritize?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In this scenario, the most appropriate intervention for the public health nurse to prioritize is option A: provide free immunizations at local schools. This intervention is crucial because it directly addresses the accessibility barrier that low-income families often face in obtaining immunizations for their children. By offering free immunizations at local schools, the nurse can reach a large number of children who may not have easy access to healthcare facilities or the means to pay for vaccinations. Option B, creating educational materials about vaccine safety, while important, may not be as effective in increasing immunization rates in this community because lack of access, rather than lack of information, is the primary barrier. Option C, organizing a community forum to discuss immunization concerns, is valuable for addressing misconceptions and fears surrounding vaccines. However, it may not directly address the immediate need for increasing immunization rates in a low-income community. Option D, partnering with local media to promote the importance of vaccines, can be a useful strategy for raising awareness. However, without addressing the financial barriers that low-income families face in accessing vaccines, awareness campaigns alone may not lead to a significant increase in immunization rates. Educationally, this rationale highlights the importance of considering the specific needs of the community when planning public health interventions and the significance of addressing barriers to access in promoting health equity and improving health outcomes.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In planning an educational campaign to reduce the incidence of hypertension in the community, the primary target should be middle-aged adults (Option C). This group is at a higher risk for developing hypertension due to lifestyle factors such as poor diet, lack of exercise, and increased stress levels. Middle-aged adults often have established habits that contribute to hypertension, making them a crucial group to educate about prevention and management strategies. By targeting this age group, the public health nurse can have a significant impact on reducing hypertension rates in the community. Adolescents (Option A) may not be the primary target as they typically have lower rates of hypertension compared to middle-aged adults. Young adults (Option B) may also have lower prevalence rates and may not be as receptive to health campaigns targeting chronic conditions. Older adults (Option D) are another important group but may already be managing hypertension or have established healthcare routines. Educationally, understanding the demographics most at risk for hypertension allows for targeted interventions that can yield the greatest impact on community health outcomes. By focusing on middle-aged adults, the nurse can address risk factors specific to this group and tailor educational materials to effectively promote behavior change and hypertension management.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In the context of educating new mothers about infant care, the priority topic should be signs of infant dehydration (Option A). Dehydration in infants can be a serious and potentially life-threatening issue, so recognizing the signs is crucial for prompt intervention and prevention of complications. By prioritizing this topic, the nurse empowers mothers to monitor their infant's health closely and seek help when needed. Proper diaper changing techniques (Option B) are important for maintaining infant hygiene but do not pose an immediate health risk compared to dehydration. While the immunization schedule (Option C) is vital for the infant's long-term health, understanding signs of dehydration takes precedence due to its urgent nature. Breastfeeding positions (Option D) are significant for successful breastfeeding but are not as critical as identifying dehydration in terms of immediate health consequences. Educationally, this prioritization highlights the importance of recognizing and responding to urgent health concerns in infants, equipping mothers with essential knowledge for early intervention. It also underscores the nurse's role in guiding parents on prioritizing infant care topics based on urgency and potential impact on the infant's well-being.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In the context of planning eye health programs at a preschool, the correct annual screening to include is visual acuity (Option A). Visual acuity screening is crucial in detecting refractive errors such as nearsightedness or farsightedness, as well as identifying potential eye conditions early on. This screening helps in ensuring that children have optimal vision for learning and development. Option B, red light reflex, is not typically included in routine preschool eye health screenings. Red light reflex is more commonly used in newborn screenings to detect abnormalities in the back of the eye. Option C, conjunctivitis, is a common eye infection but is not an annual screening test. It is diagnosed based on symptoms and clinical examination. Option D, glaucoma, is not typically screened for in preschool-aged children. Glaucoma is more common in older adults and is not a primary concern in eye health programs for preschoolers. Including visual acuity screening in preschool eye health programs is essential for early detection of vision problems that could impact a child's learning and development. Regular screenings help in timely interventions and support optimal eye health in young children.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In the context of organizing a vaccination clinic for middle school students, the most important vaccine for the school nurse to include is option B) tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap). This vaccine is crucial for adolescents as it protects against three serious bacterial infections. Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis are all highly contagious diseases that can have severe consequences if contracted. Tetanus causes muscle stiffness and spasms, diphtheria affects the respiratory system leading to breathing difficulties, and pertussis (whooping cough) can be especially dangerous for young adolescents. Including the Tdap vaccine in the clinic is important to ensure that students are protected against these diseases, especially considering the close quarters and interactions within a school setting that can facilitate the spread of infections. The other options are also important vaccines, but in the context of a middle school setting, Tdap takes precedence due to the specific risks associated with tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis at this age. Hepatitis B (option A) is important for overall health but may not be as urgent in this setting. Varicella (option C) and MMR (option D) are essential vaccines as well, but Tdap should be the priority in this scenario due to the risks posed by tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis in a school environment.