Community Health Assessment Flashcards

Which tool is most commonly used in community health assessment to identify priority health needs of a population?

Answer: Windshield survey

A windshield survey allows nurses to observe community health determinants such as housing, resources, and environmental hazards by driving through the area.

In the NCAS framework, which of the following best defines a community needs assessment?

Answer: A process to identify gaps between current health status and desired health outcomes

A community needs assessment systematically identifies gaps between where the community is and where it should be in terms of health outcomes.

Which data source provides the most objective information about mortality rates in a US community?

Answer: Death certificates and vital statistics records

Vital statistics records and death certificates are the authoritative, objective source for mortality data used in community health assessments.

A community health nurse notices a high rate of childhood obesity in a low-income neighborhood. What is the FIRST step in addressing this?

Answer: Conduct a comprehensive community assessment to identify contributing factors

The first step is always assessment — identifying root causes such as food deserts, lack of safe play spaces, or cultural dietary patterns before planning interventions.

Which federal data system is a primary source for community health assessment in the United States?

Answer: Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS)

The BRFSS is a CDC-managed state-based phone survey system that provides state and local community health data for assessment purposes.

During a community health assessment, a nurse identifies that 30% of residents lack health insurance. This finding is best classified as which type of community health determinant?

Answer: Social determinant of health

Lack of health insurance is a social determinant of health, reflecting economic and policy conditions that affect access to care.