A nurse is reviewing various roles within the community. The nurse should identify which of the following statements best encompasses the description of a community health worker?
Community health workers are paid or unpaid individuals active in promoting the health of a community.
A community health worker should be a public health nurse.
Community health workers are unpaid residents within a community who volunteer their services.
Paid employees within the community comprise the role of a community health worker.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A: Community Health Workers are Paid or Unpaid Individuals Active in Promoting the Health of a Community
This statement accurately describes community health workers (CHWs). CHWs can be either paid or unpaid and are often members of the communities they serve. They play a crucial role in promoting health, providing education, and connecting individuals to health care services. Their work is essential in improving health outcomes and reducing health disparities within communities.
Choice B: A Community Health Worker Should be a Public Health Nurse
This statement is incorrect. While public health nurses can work as community health workers, the role of a CHW is not limited to nurses. CHWs come from various backgrounds and do not necessarily have formal medical training. Their primary qualification is their close connection to the community and their ability to build trust and provide culturally appropriate health education and services.
Choice C: Community Health Workers are Unpaid Residents Within a Community Who Volunteer Their Services
This statement is partially correct but incomplete. While many CHWs volunteer their services, others are paid for their work. The key aspect of a CHW's role is their active involvement in promoting community health, regardless of whether they are paid or unpaid.
Choice D: Paid Employees Within the Community Comprise the Role of a Community Health Worker
This statement is incorrect. While some CHWs are paid, the role is not exclusively filled by paid employees. Many CHWs volunteer their time and efforts to support their communities. The defining characteristic of a CHW is their dedication to improving community health, not their employment status.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: "Although I live in the country, my neighbor takes me shopping each week. It takes about 10 minutes for us to drive to the nearest grocery store."
This statement indicates that the client has access to a grocery store within a reasonable driving distance, even though they rely on a neighbor for transportation. While this situation may present some challenges, it does not fit the definition of a food desert, which is characterized by limited access to affordable and nutritious food.
Choice B reason: "Sometimes I get food from the Salvation Army food pantry that is about a half a mile from my house."
This statement suggests that the client has access to a food pantry relatively close to their home. While relying on food pantries can indicate food insecurity, it does not necessarily mean the client lives in a food desert. Food deserts are defined by the lack of access to grocery stores that provide fresh and nutritious food.
Choice C reason: "I am able to walk to a grocery store that is 5 blocks away from my apartment."
This statement indicates that the client has convenient access to a grocery store within walking distance. This accessibility does not align with the characteristics of a food desert, where residents typically have to travel long distances to reach a grocery store.
Choice D reason: "I cannot always afford ride-share services to get to the nearest store, which is 30 minutes away from where I live."
This statement fits the definition of a food desert. The client has to travel a significant distance to reach the nearest grocery store and faces financial barriers to accessing transportation. This limited access to grocery stores that provide fresh and nutritious food is a key characteristic of food deserts.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Establish one group that can focus on a shared vision
Establishing a group that focuses on a shared vision is crucial for overcoming barriers in community health initiatives. A shared vision helps align the goals and efforts of all team members, fostering collaboration and unity. When everyone is working towards the same objectives, it becomes easier to address challenges and implement effective solutions. This approach ensures that all members are committed to the same outcomes, enhancing the overall effectiveness of the initiatives.
Choice B reason: Allow for the division into subgroups based on cultural similarities
While recognizing cultural similarities can be beneficial, dividing the team into subgroups based on these similarities may lead to fragmentation and reduce the overall cohesiveness of the group. It is important to promote inclusivity and ensure that diverse perspectives are integrated into the planning and implementation process. This approach helps in addressing the needs of the entire community rather than focusing on specific cultural groups.
Choice C reason: Encourage the creation of subgroups based on similar values
Encouraging the creation of subgroups based on similar values can also lead to fragmentation. While shared values are important, it is essential to maintain a unified team that can work together towards common goals. Creating subgroups may result in isolated efforts that do not fully address the broader community needs. A cohesive team with diverse values can provide a more comprehensive approach to community health initiatives.
Choice D reason: Ensure the group is limited to members with similar professional backgrounds
Limiting the group to members with similar professional backgrounds can hinder the effectiveness of community health initiatives. A diverse team with varied professional expertise can offer a broader range of perspectives and solutions. Including members from different backgrounds ensures that all aspects of community health are considered, leading to more innovative and effective interventions. Collaboration among professionals from different fields can enhance the overall impact of the initiatives.
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