Which data would the nurse monitor when engaged in the public health core function of assessment?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Health trends of a community. 1. Assessment in public health involves collecting and analyzing data on the health status of populations. 2. Monitoring health trends of a community helps the nurse identify health issues, plan interventions, and evaluate outcomes. 3. Blood pressure readings in an individual (A) are more focused on clinical care rather than community health assessment. 4. Social supports of a family (C) pertain to individual and family support systems, not community health trends. 5. Immunization records of elementary school children (D) are important but are more related to the core function of assurance rather than assessment in public health.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because conducting vaccination campaigns to promote immunizations represents an autonomous public-health nursing function. Public health nursing focuses on promoting and protecting the health of populations through preventive measures like immunizations. This role does not require direct collaboration with physicians or performing medical procedures, making choices A, C, and D incorrect. Providing direct care to wounded soldiers and assisting in surgical operations are more focused on individual patient care rather than population health promotion.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because applying research findings to develop new community programs falls under the domain of public health sciences. Here's a step-by-step rationale: 1. Public health sciences involve using evidence-based research to inform public health practice. 2. The public health nurse applying research findings demonstrates critical thinking and decision-making based on scientific evidence. 3. This action contributes to the development of effective community programs that are grounded in research. 4. Options A and B focus more on health promotion and cultural competence, respectively, which are important but not specifically within the public health sciences domain. 5. Option D addresses access to healthcare, which is significant but not directly related to the application of research findings in program development.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Social prescribing involves linking individuals with non-medical sources of support to improve their health and well-being. By suggesting volunteer work to a client feeling depressed after retiring, the nurse helps address the client's emotional needs and social isolation, promoting mental well-being. Referring a client with heart failure to a cardiac rehabilitation program (A) involves medical intervention. Teaching a client with diabetes how to inject insulin (B) is related to disease management. Assessing social resources of a community (D) is broader and does not directly address the individual client's needs.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because a public health nurse often collaborates with community groups to develop policies that address health needs at a population level. This aligns with the role of public health nurses in advocating for policies that promote health and prevent diseases. Choice A involves seeking input from community leaders, which is important but not the primary role of a public health nurse. Choice B focuses on assessment and intervention planning, which are crucial steps but may not be solely done by a public health nurse. Choice C relies on existing data from healthcare institutions, which is valuable but may not encompass the broader community needs. Overall, working with community groups to create policies is the most direct and impactful action for a public health nurse to address community health issues.