Public Health Nursing Practice Exam

Which of the following is a community-level nursing diagnosis?

1. Risk of hypertension related to poor diet and sedentary lifestyle

2. Risk of obesity among school-age children related to lack of opportunities to engage in physical activity

3. Risk of ineffective health maintenance among individuals who do not have access to a primary care provider

4. Ineffective coping related to multiple stressors as evidenced by client crying and stating she has no support system

The correct answer is: Risk of obesity among school-age children related to lack of opportunities to engage in physical activity

The diagnosis regarding the risk of obesity among school-age children related to a lack of opportunities to engage in physical activity is suitable for a community-level nursing diagnosis because it focuses on a specific population rather than individual patients. This type of diagnosis assesses the broader implications of environmental and social factors influencing health outcomes within a community context. In public health nursing, it's essential to acknowledge how factors like community resources, social determinants, and population behaviors affect health. By identifying the risk of obesity among a specific group—school-age children—public health nurses can develop targeted interventions aimed at increasing physical activity opportunities within schools or neighborhoods. This approach reflects the priorities and dynamics of the community as a whole, aiming to improve collective health outcomes rather than addressing individual health concerns. Other options, while reflecting important health concerns, focus more on individual cases or risks rather than the community as a whole. The emphasis on a specific population and community factors makes the diagnosis concerning the risk of obesity most aligned with community-level nursing practice.