Nursing 109

N109: Foundations in Nursing Practice Study Guide

©2018 of 154 Age When working in the community, the nurse must be aware of developmental stages and needs of individuals and populations. Growth and development assessment must occur across all ages and for all individuals. For infants, the nurse must work with families to encourage immunizations and well child checkups, and must begin teaching about normal growth and development. During the toddler stage, the nurse must assess for safety concerns and must provide guidance related to the use of car seats and preventing falls, poisoning, and choking. In the school-age stage, the nurse should focus on safety, nutritional needs, drug safety, and school performance. During adolescence, the nurse’s interventions should focus on drug and alcohol abuse, sexual behaviors, pregnancy prevention, and nutrition. During middle-age, the focus switches to health maintenance and screening for chronic diseases. In the older age population, the nurse will focus on sensory screening for loss of function and assessment for elder abuse and self-care ability. Physical Condition In communities with high incidence of chronic diseases, such as heart disease, lung disease, diabetes, and mental illness, the nurse must be aware of the impact these chronic illnesses will have on the individual, family, and community. In communities with large numbers of the elderly, chronic health problems will be more prevalent and interventions should be targeted to this population. In communities with large numbers of adolescents that are in general good health, the nurse must be alert to drug and alcohol abuse and should target these populations for education. In communities with women of childbearing age, the nurse must ensure that this group is targeted for education about having a healthy pregnancy and child. Eating, exercise, and safety habits will have an impact on the health of the individual and community. The astute nurse will also be aware of lifestyle practices and alternative family arrangements that might affect the individual and community. Environmental Factors A healthy environment, including access to clean water, safety services, a sanitary environment, and good transportation, is extremely important to the health of individuals and the community. Crime, pollution, and overcrowding may lead to less than desirable health outcomes. Individuals in unhealthy conditions may be at higher risk for infection and communicable diseases. Communities with high numbers of homeless are also at high risk for health issues. The climate and access to heat for warmth and cooking may also play a role. Economic Factors Socioeconomic factors are some of the prime determinants of the health of an individual and community. As the nurse assesses the community she must be aware of the educational level of the population, since knowledge will have an impact on health practices. Economically disadvantaged people and communities typically have less access to healthcare and preventative services. If healthcare services are not located nearby, that can make access even more challenging. Nutrition and housing may be less than optimal if funds are lacking. The poorer person may have a more hazardous or unhealthy job and increased stresses related to the inability to provide more for the family. Even with Medicaid coverage, the poor often receive sub-standard healthcare as fewer providers accept these patients in their practice. Achieve Page 102