The nurse is planning a health education program for a community with a high prevalence of asthma. Which of the following strategies would be most effective in improving asthma management?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because collaborating with schools to teach children about asthma management is the most effective strategy. By educating children, they can learn about asthma early on and develop good habits for managing it. Additionally, children can influence their families to make positive changes. A: Providing educational materials about asthma triggers is important but may not reach the entire community, especially children who may not have access to the materials. B: Offering smoking cessation programs is important for overall health but may not directly address asthma management in the community. C: Providing free inhalers can be helpful but does not address the root cause of asthma or promote long-term management strategies.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Increasing access to health care services. This is a key factor in reducing health disparities because it addresses the underlying issue of unequal access to healthcare resources. By increasing access, individuals in the community can receive timely and appropriate medical care, leading to better health outcomes. The other choices, while important, focus on individual behaviors or specific health aspects, rather than tackling the systemic issue of unequal access to healthcare. Educating about healthy habits and promoting physical activity are valuable but may not address the root cause of disparities. Providing mental health services is crucial but may not be the most effective solution to reducing overall health disparities in a community.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Primary prevention aims to prevent the onset of diseases and promote health in individuals who have not yet developed any health problems. Vaccinating children against preventable diseases is an example of primary prevention as it helps to protect them from contracting these diseases in the first place. By immunizing children, public health efforts can reduce the spread of infectious diseases and prevent outbreaks. Teaching individuals how to manage chronic conditions (Choice A) is an example of secondary prevention, aimed at managing existing health issues. Screening for early signs of disease (Choice B) falls under secondary prevention as well, focusing on early detection and treatment. Providing hospice care for terminally ill patients (Choice D) is an example of tertiary prevention, which focuses on improving quality of life in individuals with advanced diseases.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: A decrease in the number of individuals who smoke. This measure directly reflects the effectiveness of the smoking cessation program in achieving its goal of reducing smoking rates. Decreasing the number of individuals who smoke indicates a positive impact on behavior change. Incorrect choices: A: Increased awareness about the dangers of smoking - While awareness is important, it does not directly measure the success of the program in helping individuals quit smoking. C: Increased participation in the program - Participation does not necessarily translate to successful cessation of smoking. D: Increased use of nicotine replacement therapy - While this may indicate some individuals are trying to quit, it does not guarantee successful cessation or long-term behavior change.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Providing education on safe sex practices. This strategy is most effective as it focuses on preventing new HIV infections by promoting knowledge and awareness of safe sex practices. Education empowers individuals to make informed decisions about their sexual health, leading to reduced transmission rates. Summary of other choices: B: Providing free HIV testing can help with early detection but does not directly prevent new infections. C: Advocating for policy changes is important for long-term prevention efforts, but may not have an immediate impact on reducing the incidence of HIV. D: Providing support groups is valuable for individuals already living with HIV, but does not directly address prevention in the community.