A public health nurse is developing protocols to use in emergency shelters following a disaster. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include as a secondary prevention strategy for clients who survive a disaster?

In a situation where the nurse and the client do not speak the same language, it is important to ensure effective communication. Using a family member or a member of the client's community to interpret may not be appropriate as they may not have the necessary knowledge and skills to provide accurate and complete interpretation.

Professional interpreters are best suited for this task. Before contacting an interpreter, the nurse should identify the client's spoken dialect to ensure that an appropriate interpreter is used. This will help to ensure effective communication between the nurse and the client and promote understanding of the procedure and any education that is provided. Using professional terminology when providing education may not be effective, as it may not be understood by the client.

The correct answer is choice B. Interviewing shelter residents to determine the effectiveness of coping behaviors.

Choice A rationale:

Providing age-appropriate activities for shelter residents is a form of primary prevention, aimed at promoting well-being and preventing stress-related issues. It does not directly address the immediate needs of assessing and managing the aftermath of a disaster.

Choice B rationale:

Interviewing shelter residents to determine the effectiveness of coping behaviors is a secondary prevention strategy. It focuses on identifying and addressing existing issues that may have arisen due to the disaster, such as stress, anxiety, or ineffective coping mechanisms. This helps in providing timely interventions to mitigate further psychological harm.

Choice C rationale:

Compiling resources available to transition individuals from shelters to a home is a tertiary prevention strategy. It aims at long-term recovery and rehabilitation, rather than addressing immediate or ongoing issues resulting from the disaster.

Choice D rationale:

Publishing a listing of shelter locations in local media sources is a primary prevention strategy. It helps in ensuring that individuals know where to go for safety during a disaster, but it does not address the needs of those who have already survived the disaster and are currently in shelters.