A community health nurse observes the accumulation of garbage at a neighborhood playground. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first to promote a clean and safe environment?

 

 

Choice A reason: Tracking rates of illness caused by infection among employees is not an action that will help the nurse detect potential physical hazards, as it is related to biological hazards. Biological hazards are living organisms or substances that can cause disease or infection, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites. The nurse should track rates of illness caused by infection among employees to monitor the prevalence and incidence of occupational infections, such as tuberculosis, hepatitis, or COVID-19, and to implement preventive and control measures.

Choice B reason: Surveying workers about job-related emotional stress is not an action that will help the nurse detect potential physical hazards, as it is related to psychosocial hazards. Psychosocial hazards are factors that affect the mental and emotional well-being of workers, such as workload, autonomy, communication, recognition, or violence. The nurse should survey workers about job-related emotional stress to assess the level and sources of occupational stress, burnout, or fatigue, and to provide counseling, support, or referral.

Choice C reason: Identifying industrial toxins that are present in the environment is not an action that will help the nurse detect potential physical hazards, as it is related to chemical hazards. Chemical hazards are substances that can harm the health or safety of workers, such as solvents, acids, gases, or pesticides. The nurse should identify industrial toxins that are present in the environment to evaluate the exposure and risk of workers, and to implement protective measures, such as ventilation, personal protective equipment, or safe handling procedures.

Choice D reason: Measuring noise levels at various locations in the facility is an action that will help the nurse detect potential physical hazards, as noise is a common and harmful physical hazard. Physical hazards are factors that can harm the body or damage the equipment or materials, such as noise, vibration, temperature, radiation, or electricity. The nurse should measure noise levels at various locations in the facility to determine the intensity and duration of noise exposure, and to implement noise reduction measures, such as engineering controls, administrative controls, or hearing protection devices.

Choice A reason:This is a correct recommendation. The American Academy of Ophthalmology advises adults aged 40–64 to have a comprehensive eye exam every 2 years. Regular exams are essential to detect common age-related conditions like glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration. After age 65, annual eye exams are often recommended.

Choice B reason: You should have your hearing screened every 10 years, not every 5 years, until the age of 50. After 50, you should have a hearing test every 3 years.

Choice C reason:While stool-based testing for colorectal cancer (such as FOBT or FIT) is recommended starting at age 45, it is typically done annually, not every other year. Other screening methods, like a colonoscopy, may have a longer interval but should follow guidelines tailored to the patient’s risk profile.

Choice D reason: You should have your fasting blood glucose level checked every 3 years, not every 6 years, starting at age 45. This is a screening test for diabetes, which can increase your risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, and other complications. If you have a history of gestational diabetes, obesity, or other risk factors, you may need more frequent testing.