A public health nurse and a public health team are assessing a community using the ecological model. Which of the following characteristics should the team consider first?

Choice A Reason:
The expansion of the program within the Hispanic community is indeed an important initiative for many community health programs, including the Nurse-Family Partnership. However, it is not the standout aspect of the impact report in question. The focus on public-private partnerships is more prominently highlighted in the report, reflecting a broader strategy to enhance program reach and effectiveness through diverse collaborations.

Choice B Reason:
The statement that the impact report is kept private is incorrect. Impact reports are typically public documents designed to showcase the achievements and progress of a program to stakeholders, funders, and the community. Keeping such a report private would defeat its purpose of transparency and accountability.

Choice C Reason:
Expansion of public-private partnerships is a key initiative. This is a standout aspect of the Nurse-Family Partnership impact report. Public-private partnerships are crucial for scaling up health programs, securing funding, and integrating services across different sectors. These partnerships enable the program to leverage resources, expertise, and networks from both public and private entities, thereby enhancing its impact and sustainability.

Choice D Reason:
The statement that the impact report focuses solely on local partnerships is not accurate. While local partnerships are important, the report emphasizes a broader strategy that includes both local and wider public-private partnerships. This comprehensive approach ensures that the program can address community needs more effectively and sustainably.

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.