A public health nurse is coordinating with a community health team. Which of the following statements by the nurse indicates that they understand their role and the nature of collaboration?

Choice A Reason:
"I have a false negative screening. I may miss the opportunity for early treatment." This statement accurately reflects the primary concern with a false negative result. A false negative occurs when a test incorrectly indicates that a person does not have a condition when they actually do. This can lead to a delay in diagnosis and treatment, potentially worsening the individual's health outcomes. Early treatment is often crucial for managing many conditions effectively, so missing this opportunity can have significant consequences.

Choice B Reason:
"I have a false negative screening. I may undergo unnecessary treatment." This statement is incorrect because a false negative result means the test failed to detect the condition, leading to no treatment when it is actually needed. Unnecessary treatment is more associated with a false positive result, where the test incorrectly indicates the presence of a condition.

Choice C Reason:
"I have a false negative screening. I likely need more extensive testing." While additional testing might eventually be necessary if symptoms persist or worsen, this statement does not directly address the immediate implication of a false negative result. The primary concern is the missed opportunity for early intervention, not the need for more testing.

Choice D Reason:
"I have a false negative screening. I may experience undue worry." This statement is also incorrect. A false negative result typically provides a false sense of security, leading the individual to believe they are healthy when they are not. Undue worry is more likely to result from a false positive, where the person is incorrectly told they have a condition.

Choice A: Crime Statistics
Crime statistics are an example of secondary data. Secondary data refers to information that has been collected by someone else for a different purpose but is being utilized by the nurse for community assessment. Crime statistics are typically gathered by law enforcement agencies and other governmental bodies and can provide valuable insights into the safety and social environment of a community.

Choice B: Direct Observation
Direct observation is a method of collecting primary data. Primary data is gathered firsthand by the researcher through direct methods such as surveys, interviews, or observations. In this case, the nurse would be directly observing the community to gather information, making it a primary data collection method.

Choice C: Community Informant Interviews
Community informant interviews are another example of primary data collection. These interviews involve speaking directly with community members or key informants to gather firsthand information about the community's health needs, resources, and concerns. This method provides qualitative data that can be used to understand the community's perspective.

Choice D: Windshield Survey
A windshield survey is a primary data collection method where the nurse drives through the community to observe various aspects such as housing conditions, availability of services, and general environmental conditions. This type of survey provides firsthand observational data about the community.