The public health nurse understands the E. coli 0157:H7 is dangerous because it is hemorrhagic. The nurse knows that the greatest risk factor is which of the following?

A. Elevated growths with a "cauliflower" appearance: HPV lesions, commonly known as genital warts, have a characteristic raised, rough, and cauliflower-like appearance. These lesions are caused by HPV types 6 and 11.

B. Solitary growth with elevated borders and a central depression: This describes a basal cell carcinoma, which is a type of skin cancer, not HPV-related warts.

C. Thin-walled pustules that rupture to form honey-colored crusts: This describes impetigo, a bacterial skin infection typically caused by Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes.

D. Vesicles that ulcerate and crust within 1 to 4 days: This describes herpes simplex virus (HSV) lesions, not HPV. HSV lesions appear as painful fluid-filled blisters that rupture and form ulcers.

A. Study the beliefs and traditions of persons living in other cultures: While learning about other cultures is important, it should follow self-reflection to prevent ethnocentric judgments.

B. Complete a survey of all the various ethnicities represented in the nurse's community: This provides demographic knowledge but does not help the nurse develop personal cultural competence.

C. Consider how the nurse's own personal beliefs and decisions are reflective of his or her culture. Cultural competence begins with self-awareness. Nurses must first recognize how their own cultural background, beliefs, and biases influence their interactions with patients before effectively understanding and respecting others' cultures.

D. Invite a family from another culture to join the nurse for an event: While engaging with diverse groups is beneficial, it is not the first step in cultural competence.