Community Health Nursing Flashcards

A nurse is conducting a home visit for a patient with hypertension. Which finding requires immediate referral?

Answer: Blood pressure of 200/120 mmHg with severe headache

BP of 200/120 mmHg with severe headache is a hypertensive emergency (possible end-organ damage — stroke, encephalopathy, renal failure). Immediate emergency referral is required. Hypertensive urgency is severe BP without end-organ damage; emergency involves damage.

What is the recommended approach for tuberculosis contact investigation?

Answer: Screen all close contacts with TST or IGRA and treat latent TB infection in high-risk individuals

TB contact investigation identifies recently infected individuals who can progress to active TB. All close contacts receive tuberculin skin test (TST) or interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA). Positive test with no active disease = latent TB treated with isoniazid to prevent activation.

What is the primary purpose of a health needs assessment in community nursing?

Answer: To identify health priorities and gaps in services in a community

A community health needs assessment identifies the population's health status, risk factors, existing resources, service gaps, and priorities. It uses data from surveys, vital statistics, and community input to guide evidence-based public health planning.

Which level of Maslow's hierarchy must be met before safety needs can be addressed?

Answer: Physiological needs (food, water, shelter, air)

Maslow's hierarchy places physiological needs (oxygen, water, food, warmth, sleep) at the base. These must be met before safety, love/belonging, esteem, and self-actualization needs can be effectively addressed in nursing care planning.

What does 'incidence rate' measure in epidemiology?

Answer: New cases of a disease in a population at risk over a specified time period

Incidence rate measures new cases occurring in a disease-free (at-risk) population during a defined period. It reflects the risk of developing a disease. Prevalence measures all existing cases (both new and old) at a specific time.

Which communicable disease is targeted for eradication in Saudi Arabia through the Expanded Program on Immunization?

Answer: Poliomyelitis

Polio eradication is a global WHO goal. Saudi Arabia maintains high polio vaccination coverage (OPV/IPV) and participates in global eradication efforts. Saudi Arabia has been polio-free and maintains surveillance at borders due to high pilgrim traffic during Hajj.