A public health nurse is comparing mortality rates in their state to overall mortality rates in the U.S. Which of the following mortality rates should the nurse use for this comparison?

Choice A Reason:
A social worker consult can provide valuable resources and support for managing the care of a mentally ill parent. Social workers can assist with navigating healthcare systems, accessing community resources, and providing emotional support. However, this referral may not provide the immediate peer support and shared experiences that a support group offers. Social workers are excellent for long-term planning and resource management but may not address the immediate emotional needs as effectively as a support group.

Choice B Reason:
A support group is an ideal first-level support for someone feeling overwhelmed and exhausted from caregiving responsibilities. Support groups offer a space for individuals to share their experiences, receive emotional support, and learn coping strategies from others in similar situations. This peer support can be incredibly validating and comforting, helping the client feel less isolated and more understood. Support groups can provide immediate relief and practical advice, making them a highly effective initial referral.

Choice C Reason:
Referring the client to a psychiatrist is important for addressing any potential mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety, that may arise from the stress of caregiving. Psychiatrists can provide medication management and therapeutic interventions. However, this referral may not offer the immediate peer support and shared experiences that a support group provides. While psychiatric care is crucial, it may be more appropriate as a follow-up referral after addressing the client's immediate need for emotional support.

Choice D Reason:
A life coach can help individuals set goals, develop strategies for personal growth, and improve overall well-being. However, life coaching may not be the most appropriate referral for someone dealing with the specific emotional and practical challenges of caregiving for a mentally ill parent. Life coaches typically focus on personal development and achieving future goals, which may not address the immediate emotional support needs of the client.

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.