A community health nurse is teaching a group of older adult clients about hypertension.
The nurse should identify which of the following as a client-related barrier to learning?

Before developing a health-screening program for clients who are at risk for hypertension, the nurse should first assess the community’s need for such a program. Conducting a survey to identify the community’s need for hypertension screening is an important first step in this process.

Choice A is not the answer because determining the number of clients referred for treatment of hypertension is not the first step in developing a health screening program.

Choice B is not the answer because researching best practices for the treatment of hypertension is not the first step in developing a health-screening program.

Choice C is not the answer because applying for funding to conduct hypertension screening is not the first step in developing a health-screening program.

People living with HIV/AIDS have a much higher risk of suicide than the general population1.Some of the risk factors for suicidal ideation, suicide attempts and suicide deaths in this group are depression, advanced disease, neurological changes, stigma, poor social support, negative life events, physical pain and fear of rejection.

Based on these risk factors, the response by the client that indicates a higher risk for suicide isd. “I am afraid of experiencing pain near the end.”This response suggests that the client has a low perception of their physical health, a fear of losing control and a pessimistic outlook on their future.These are signs of hopelessness, which is a strong predictor of suicide.

The other responses do not necessarily indicate a high risk for suicide, although they may reflect some challenges that the client is facing. For example, response a. may indicate a desire for autonomy and dignity, response b. may indicate a coping strategy or denial, and response c. may indicate a source of emotional support or dependency. However, these responses do not imply that the client is thinking about harming themselves or ending their life.

Therefore, the home health nurse should assess the client’s level of hopelessness, suicidal ideation and suicide plan, and provide appropriate interventions and referrals to prevent a possible suicide attempt. The nurse should also monitor the client’s mood, pain, medication adherence and social support, and offer education, counseling and resources to improve the client’s quality of life.