Which of the following health concerns should the nurse have as a priority when planning care for a community?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: In the context of health promotion in a community, the correct answer is option D, the lack of grocery stores within walking distance identified by the community. This is the priority concern because access to healthy food options is fundamental to promoting good health and preventing chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. Without convenient access to grocery stores, community members may struggle to maintain a balanced diet, leading to adverse health outcomes. Option A, the limited recreational areas, while important for physical activity and mental well-being, may not have as direct and immediate impact on health as access to healthy food choices. Option B, the high crime rate, though a serious community concern, is more related to public safety than health promotion per se. Option C, the absence of health clinics on the local bus route, is also crucial for healthcare access but may not be as pressing as ensuring access to nutritious food options for overall community health. Educationally, this question highlights the importance of considering social determinants of health, such as access to healthy food, in community health planning. It reinforces the significance of addressing environmental factors that can impact health outcomes and encourages nurses to prioritize interventions that address the most critical health needs of the community they serve.

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: The correct answer is A) Prevalence rate. In this context, the statement describes the proportion of individuals in a population who have the condition (influenza) at a specific point in time. Prevalence rate gives us an understanding of how widespread a disease is within a population. Option B) Incidence rate would refer to the rate of new cases of influenza occurring within a specific time period. Since the question states the occurrence among Americans annually, it aligns more with prevalence than incidence. Option C) Morbidity rate typically refers to the proportion of individuals in a population who have a specific illness or condition. While related, it does not specifically capture the prevalence of the condition within a population at a certain point in time. Option D) Mortality rate would focus on the number of deaths due to influenza within a population, which is not the focus of the question. Understanding these epidemiological terms is crucial in public health and pharmacology as they help in assessing disease burden, planning interventions, and evaluating the effectiveness of health promotion programs. Prevalence rates are particularly useful in understanding the overall impact of a disease within a population and guiding public health strategies.

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.