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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A: Make a Report to Child Protective Services (CPS)
This is the correct action for the nurse to take. Nurses are mandated reporters, meaning they are legally required to report any suspected cases of child abuse or neglect to the appropriate authorities. Child Protective Services (CPS) is the agency responsible for investigating reports of child abuse and ensuring the safety and well-being of children. Reporting to CPS ensures that the case is handled by professionals trained to investigate and intervene in such situations.
Choice B: Call the Police and Report the Suspected Abuse
While calling the police may seem like a logical step, it is not the primary action a nurse should take in this situation. The police may become involved later in the process, especially if there is an immediate threat to the child's safety. However, the initial report should be made to CPS, as they are the designated agency for handling child abuse cases.
Choice C: Call the Child's Guardian to Have the Child's Pediatrician Confirm the Suspected Abuse
This action is not appropriate because it could potentially place the child in further danger. If the guardian is the abuser, notifying them could lead to retaliation against the child or attempts to cover up the abuse. Additionally, it is not the role of the pediatrician to confirm abuse; this is the responsibility of CPS and law enforcement.
Choice D: Alert the School Principal of the Situation
While it is important to keep school officials informed, the nurse's primary responsibility is to report the suspected abuse to CPS. The school principal can be informed after the report has been made, but the immediate priority is to ensure the child's safety by contacting the appropriate authorities.
Correct Answer is ["A","B","D","E"]
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
a) Assess the community: This is the first step in addressing community health needs. It involves gathering data about the community's health status, resources, and needs. This can be done through surveys, interviews, focus groups, and public forums. The assessment helps to identify the health problems and needs of the community, which is essential for planning effective interventions.
Choice B Reason:
b) Analyze the findings and identify the needs: After collecting data, the next step is to analyze it to identify the community's health needs. This involves looking at the data to find patterns and trends that indicate health problems. By identifying these needs, the nurse can prioritize which issues to address first. This step is crucial for developing a targeted and effective health plan.
Choice C Reason:
c) Decide on educational theories to use: This step is not directly related to the initial assessment and planning process. Deciding on educational theories is more relevant when planning specific health education interventions. While important, it is not a primary step in assessing and addressing community health needs.
Choice D Reason:
d) Use measurable indicators to evaluate the plan: Using measurable indicators is essential for evaluating the effectiveness of the health plan. These indicators help to track progress and determine whether the interventions are achieving the desired outcomes. This step ensures that the health plan is effective and allows for adjustments to be made if necessary.
Choice E Reason:
e) Collaborate with the residents of the community on what interventions will work for that community and prioritize them: Collaboration with the community is vital for the success of any health intervention. By involving community members in the planning process, the nurse can ensure that the interventions are culturally appropriate and accepted by the community. This collaboration also helps to prioritize the interventions based on the community's needs and preferences.
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