Community Health and Home Care Nursing Flashcards

During a home visit, a PN notices that an elderly client's refrigerator contains expired food and the client appears confused about when they last ate. Which of the following is the PN's priority action?

Answer: Conduct a comprehensive nutritional and cognitive assessment and discuss findings with the care team

The priority is to conduct a thorough assessment — nutritional status and cognitive function — before taking action. The findings should be shared with the interprofessional team to determine the most appropriate intervention. Reporting or arranging services without assessment is premature.

A PN working in a community health centre is conducting a community needs assessment. Which data source would be most useful for identifying the leading causes of preventable death in the catchment area?

Answer: Provincial vital statistics and epidemiological data

Provincial vital statistics and epidemiological data provide population-level information on morbidity, mortality, and risk factors — the foundation of a community needs assessment. Individual or anecdotal sources do not represent the broader population.

Which of the following is a social determinant of health that a PN should consider when planning care for a client in the community?

Answer: The client's housing stability and income level

Social determinants of health include non-medical factors such as income, housing, education, and social support. These factors significantly influence health outcomes and must be incorporated into community care planning. Clinical parameters like albumin or blood pressure are health indicators, not social determinants.

A PN in a home care setting observes that a client is not taking their medications as prescribed. Before concluding the client is non-compliant, which factor should the PN explore first?

Answer: Whether the client can afford the medications and read the labels

Health literacy and financial barriers are among the most common reasons for medication non-adherence in community settings. Before assuming intentional non-compliance, the PN must assess practical barriers such as cost, ability to read labels, and health literacy.

A public health PN is planning a vaccination clinic for an underserved community. Which approach best reflects culturally safe nursing practice?

Answer: Translating pamphlets into the dominant local language and partnering with community leaders

Culturally safe practice requires acknowledging and responding to the cultural, linguistic, and community context. Partnering with community leaders and providing materials in the local language increases access, trust, and uptake in underserved populations.

A PN providing home care for a client with COPD notes that the client is smoking inside the home. The client states, 'I know it's bad, but I've smoked for 40 years and it's my choice.' What is the most appropriate response?

Answer: Acknowledge the client's autonomy, provide brief cessation information, and document the discussion

The PN must balance respect for client autonomy with a professional obligation to provide health information. Acknowledging the client's right to choose while offering brief cessation counselling and documenting the interaction is the appropriate standard. Refusing care or bypassing the client to contact family violates autonomy.