A community health nurse is calculating the top three causes of death in a county. Which of the following mortality measures should the nurse use to obtain this data?

Choice A: A Client Who is Below the Age of 18
Medicare is primarily designed for individuals who are 65 years of age or older. However, there are exceptions for younger individuals with certain disabilities or specific conditions like End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) or Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Generally, children under the age of 18 are not eligible for Medicare unless they meet these specific criteria.

Choice B: A Client Who is Age 65 or Older
This is the correct answer. Medicare is a federal health insurance program primarily for people who are 65 years of age or older. It provides coverage for hospital care (Part A), medical services (Part B), and prescription drugs (Part D). Individuals who are 65 or older are automatically eligible for Medicare if they or their spouse have paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years.

Choice C: A Client Whose Income is Below the Poverty Line
Medicare eligibility is not based on income level. Instead, it is primarily age-based (65 or older) or condition-based (certain disabilities, ESRD, or ALS). Individuals with low income may qualify for Medicaid, a separate program that provides health coverage for low-income individuals and families.

Choice D: A Client Who Does Not Have Any Other Kind of Health Insurance
Lack of other health insurance does not automatically qualify someone for Medicare. Eligibility for Medicare is based on age (65 or older) or specific medical conditions, not on the absence of other health insurance. Individuals without other health insurance may explore options like Medicaid or the Health Insurance Marketplace.

Choice A: Hearing Loss
Hearing loss is a common pathophysiology among manual labor workers due to exposure to high levels of noise in the workplace. Prolonged exposure to loud machinery, tools, and equipment can lead to noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). This condition is preventable with proper use of hearing protection and adherence to occupational safety guidelines.

Choice B: Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system. It is not typically associated with environmental pollutants or hazardous exposure in the workplace. MS is believed to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors, but it is not a common condition among manual labor workers due to occupational hazards.

Choice C: Influenza
Influenza is a viral infection that affects the respiratory system. While manual labor workers can contract influenza, it is not directly related to hazardous exposure or environmental pollutants in the workplace. Influenza is more commonly spread through person-to-person contact and is preventable through vaccination and good hygiene practices.

Choice D: Alopecia
Alopecia refers to hair loss, which can be caused by various factors including genetics, autoimmune conditions, and stress. It is not typically associated with hazardous exposure or environmental pollutants in the workplace. Manual labor workers are not at a higher risk of developing alopecia due to their occupational environment.