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?
Individual
Close social circles
Social and cultural factors
Environment
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A Reason:
Considering the individual characteristics first focuses on personal attributes such as age, gender, genetics, and personal health behaviors. While these factors are important, the ecological model emphasizes the broader context in which individuals live. Starting with individual characteristics may overlook the larger environmental and social influences that significantly impact health outcomes.
Choice B Reason:
Close social circles, including family, friends, and immediate social networks, play a crucial role in shaping health behaviors and providing support. These relationships can influence lifestyle choices, stress levels, and access to resources. However, focusing on close social circles first may not capture the broader environmental and societal factors that also affect health.
Choice C Reason:
Social and cultural factors encompass the norms, values, and practices of the community. These factors influence health behaviors, access to healthcare, and overall well-being. While social and cultural factors are vital, they are part of a larger context that includes the physical environment. Addressing these factors without considering the environment may provide an incomplete picture of the community's health.
Choice D Reason:
The environment includes the physical, social, and economic conditions in which people live. This encompasses factors such as housing quality, access to green spaces, pollution levels, and availability of healthcare services. The environment sets the stage for individual and community health by influencing exposure to risks and access to resources. Starting with the environment provides a comprehensive understanding of the context in which individuals and communities operate, making it the most appropriate starting point for an ecological assessment.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Autonomy refers to respecting an individual's right to make their own decisions. In the context of healthcare, it means allowing patients to make informed choices about their own care. While autonomy is an important ethical principle, it is not the primary focus when considering the balance of benefits and harms in a community-wide intervention.
Choice B Reason:
Beneficence is the ethical principle that involves acting in the best interest of others by promoting good and preventing harm. In this scenario, the nurse demonstrates beneficence by ensuring that the benefits of the physical activity program substantially outweigh any potential harms. This principle is central to public health initiatives, where the goal is to enhance the well-being of the community.
Choice C Reason:
Nonmaleficence is the principle of "do no harm." It emphasizes the importance of not causing harm to others. While nonmaleficence is closely related to beneficence, the focus in this scenario is on the positive impact of the intervention (beneficence) rather than solely avoiding harm (nonmaleficence).
Choice D Reason:
Justice refers to fairness and equality in the distribution of resources and treatment. It ensures that all individuals have equal access to healthcare and that no group is unfairly disadvantaged. Although justice is a crucial ethical principle, the scenario specifically highlights the balance of benefits and harms, which aligns more closely with beneficence.
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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