A nurse is assessing an outbreak of mumps among school-age children. Using the epidemiological triangle, the nurse should recognize that which of the following is the host?

Choice A reason: Organizing an influenza immunization clinic with the American Red Cross is a service that the nurses should plan to provide to the congregation, as it is consistent with the role and scope of parish nursing. Parish nurses, or faith community nurses, are registered nurses who provide education, counseling, referral, advocacy, and volunteer coordination within the context of their faith community¹. They focus on holistic healing and prevention of illness, rather than hands-on care². Organizing an influenza immunization clinic is an example of a preventive and educational service that can benefit the health of the congregation and the community.

Choice B reason: Performing wound care in the home of members is not a service that the nurses should plan to provide to the congregation, as it is outside the role and scope of parish nursing. Parish nurses do not provide direct clinical care, such as wound care, medication administration, or blood pressure monitoring². They may refer members to other health care providers or agencies for these services, or teach members how to perform self-care³.

Choice C reason: Providing end of life care for members who are terminal is not a service that the nurses should plan to provide to the congregation, as it is outside the role and scope of parish nursing. Parish nurses do not provide direct clinical care, such as pain management, symptom control, or palliative care². They may provide spiritual and emotional support, counseling, and advocacy for members who are terminal, or refer them to hospice or other end of life care services³.

Choice D reason: Facilitating discharge from the facility to the home is not a service that the nurses should plan to provide to the congregation, as it is outside the role and scope of parish nursing. Parish nurses do not provide case management, discharge planning, or home health care². They may collaborate with other health care professionals or community agencies to ensure continuity of care and smooth transition for members who are discharged from the facility to the home³.

Choice A reason: Scheduling bone density screening is an appropriate outcome for the program, as it helps to detect and prevent osteoporosis, a common condition among postmenopausal women. Bone density screening is recommended for women aged 65 years and older, or younger women with risk factors.

Choice B reason: Arranging for mammograms every 3 years is not an appropriate outcome for the program, as it does not follow the current guidelines for breast cancer screening. The American Cancer Society recommends that women aged 45 to 54 years should have mammograms every year, and women aged 55 years and older should have mammograms every 2 years, or continue yearly screening if they prefer.

Choice C reason: Starting hormone replacement therapy is not an appropriate outcome for the program, as it is not a universal recommendation for postmenopausal women. Hormone replacement therapy may have benefits and risks depending on the individual's health history, symptoms, and preferences. It should be discussed with a health care provider before starting.

Choice D reason: Significantly decreasing caloric intake is not an appropriate outcome for the program, as it may lead to nutritional deficiencies and other health problems. Postmenopausal women should maintain a balanced diet that meets their nutritional needs and supports their weight management. A moderate reduction in caloric intake may be advised for overweight or obese women, but not a drastic one.