A public health nurse is participating in a research study to determine how virulent a new virus is. Which of the following mortality measures should the nurse use to calculate this data?

Choice A reason: Lack of mentoring
Lack of mentoring can affect a child's academic performance, but it is less likely to be the primary cause of a short attention span and inability to focus. Mentoring programs can help improve academic outcomes by providing guidance, support, and motivation. However, the symptoms described—short attention span and inability to focus—are more directly linked to other underlying issues.

Choice B reason: Transportation challenges
Transportation challenges can lead to increased absenteeism and lower academic performance. However, they are not typically associated with a short attention span or inability to focus. While transportation issues can cause stress and fatigue, they do not directly impact a child's cognitive abilities in the same way that other factors might.

Choice C reason: Unhealthy family relationships
Unhealthy family relationships can significantly impact a child's emotional and psychological well-being, which in turn can affect their academic performance. Children from families with poor communication, high conflict, or lack of support may struggle with concentration and focus. However, the primary symptoms described—short attention span and inability to focus—are more commonly associated with other specific issues.

Choice D reason: Food insecurity
Food insecurity is directly linked to cognitive and behavioral issues in children. Lack of adequate nutrition can lead to difficulties in concentration, short attention span, and overall poor academic performance. Children who do not have reliable access to nutritious food are more likely to experience fatigue, irritability, and difficulty focusing, which aligns with the symptoms described in the scenario.

Choice A: Order a New Medication
Ordering a new medication is not typically the first step in the protocol for an employee injury. The nurse needs to assess the injury and determine the appropriate course of action based on the severity and nature of the injury. Medication may be part of the treatment plan, but it is not the initial step in the injury protocol.

Choice B: Initiate Safety and Audit Checks
Initiating safety and audit checks is an important part of workplace safety management, but it is not the immediate response to an employee injury. These checks are usually conducted to prevent future incidents and ensure compliance with safety regulations. The immediate priority is to address the employee's injury and provide necessary medical care.

Choice C: Perform a Drug Test
This is the correct choice. Performing a drug test is often part of the protocol following a workplace injury, especially in industries where safety is a critical concern. The drug test helps determine if substance use may have contributed to the accident. It is a standard procedure to ensure workplace safety and compliance with regulations.

Choice D: Vet the Injured Worker
Vetting the injured worker is not a standard part of the protocol for handling an employee injury. The focus should be on providing immediate medical care and assessing the injury. Vetting typically refers to a thorough examination or background check, which is not relevant in the context of responding to an injury.