A community health nurse is educating a parent about the importance of hepatitis B immunization. Which of the following explanations should the nurse give the parent about the disease?

Choice A reason: Determining potential funding sources for the program is an important action, but not the first one. The nurse should first assess the needs of the target population, such as the number of older adults who need the service, their nutritional status, their preferences, and their barriers to access food.

Choice B reason: Inquiring about the availability of volunteers is an important action, but not the first one. The nurse should first assess the needs of the target population, and then plan the resources and personnel needed to implement the program.

Choice C reason: Identifying alternative solutions to address concerns is an important action, but not the first one. The nurse should first assess the needs of the target population, and then identify the possible challenges and solutions to deliver the service effectively and efficiently.

Choice D reason: Performing a needs assessment is the first action that the nurse should take, as it provides the basis for planning, implementing, and evaluating the program. A needs assessment involves collecting and analyzing data about the health status, needs, and resources of the target population and the community. It helps to identify the gaps, priorities, and goals of the program.

Choice A reason: One dose of the immunization does not give children lifelong protection from hepatitis B. The immunization requires a series of three or four doses, depending on the vaccine type, to provide long-term immunity. The first dose is usually given at birth, followed by the second dose at 1 to 2 months of age, and the third dose at 6 to 18 months of age. Some children may need a fourth dose at 4 to 6 years of age.

Choice B reason: Hepatitis B does not spread easily among children through casual contact. Hepatitis B is a blood-borne infection that is transmitted through exposure to infected blood or body fluids, such as through sexual contact, sharing needles, or from mother to child during birth. Casual contact, such as hugging, kissing, or sharing food, does not pose a risk of transmission.

Choice C reason: Many people who acquire acute hepatitis B develop chronic hepatitis. Chronic hepatitis is a condition where the infection persists for more than six months and causes inflammation and scarring of the liver. Chronic hepatitis can lead to serious complications, such as cirrhosis, liver failure, or liver cancer. About 90% of infants, 25% to 50% of children aged 1 to 5 years, and 5% to 10% of adults who get infected with hepatitis B will develop chronic hepatitis.

Choice D reason: People who have had a hepatitis B infection do not need the immunization. The immunization is only effective in preventing the infection, not treating it. People who have had a hepatitis B infection will develop natural immunity, which means they will not get infected again. However, they should still be monitored for any signs of liver damage or complications.