Public Health Nursing Practice Exam

What is a key intervention level when teaching a mother about nutrition related to her malnourished child?

1. Individual level health promotion

2. Family level health assessment

3. Aggregate level analysis

4. Community-wide public health education

The correct answer is: Individual level health promotion

The focus on the individual level of health promotion is particularly significant in this scenario because it involves tailoring nutritional education specifically for the mother of the malnourished child. This approach enables the healthcare professional to assess the unique needs, circumstances, and preferences of the mother, which is crucial given that her understanding and practices directly impact her child's nutrition and overall health. By providing education at the individual level, the intervention can address specific nutritional deficiencies and promote behaviors that the mother can readily adopt, such as meal planning, food preparation techniques, and understanding food groups. This personalized strategy increases the likelihood that the mother will effectively implement dietary changes for her child, thereby improving nutritional outcomes. While other levels like family or community health education have their merits, they may lack the specificity and direct relevance needed for immediate improvement in a child's nutritional status. Family health assessments consider the broader family context but might not dive deep enough into the mother’s individual capacity to enact change. Aggregate level analysis looks at groups or populations without focusing on individual needs, which is a crucial aspect when dealing with malnutrition in a specific child. Therefore, the individual level of health promotion stands out as the most effective intervention in this context.