A community health nurse is planning an educational program for a group of women who are postmenopausal. Which of the following outcomes is appropriate for this program?

Choice A reason: Organizing an influenza immunization clinic with the American Red Cross is a service that the nurses should plan to provide to the congregation, as it is consistent with the role and scope of parish nursing. Parish nurses, or faith community nurses, are registered nurses who provide education, counseling, referral, advocacy, and volunteer coordination within the context of their faith community¹. They focus on holistic healing and prevention of illness, rather than hands-on care². Organizing an influenza immunization clinic is an example of a preventive and educational service that can benefit the health of the congregation and the community.

Choice B reason: Performing wound care in the home of members is not a service that the nurses should plan to provide to the congregation, as it is outside the role and scope of parish nursing. Parish nurses do not provide direct clinical care, such as wound care, medication administration, or blood pressure monitoring². They may refer members to other health care providers or agencies for these services, or teach members how to perform self-care³.

Choice C reason: Providing end of life care for members who are terminal is not a service that the nurses should plan to provide to the congregation, as it is outside the role and scope of parish nursing. Parish nurses do not provide direct clinical care, such as pain management, symptom control, or palliative care². They may provide spiritual and emotional support, counseling, and advocacy for members who are terminal, or refer them to hospice or other end of life care services³.

Choice D reason: Facilitating discharge from the facility to the home is not a service that the nurses should plan to provide to the congregation, as it is outside the role and scope of parish nursing. Parish nurses do not provide case management, discharge planning, or home health care². They may collaborate with other health care professionals or community agencies to ensure continuity of care and smooth transition for members who are discharged from the facility to the home³.

Choice A reason: Blood pressure screening is not the first thing that the nurse should perform, as it is a physical assessment that can be done later in the visit. Blood pressure screening is important to monitor the client's cardiovascular health and risk of hypertension, but it is not a priority for the initial visit.

Choice B reason: Mental status examination is not the first thing that the nurse should perform, as it is a psychological assessment that can be done later in the visit. Mental status examination is important to evaluate the client's cognitive, emotional, and behavioral functioning and identify any mental health issues, but it is not a priority for the initial visit.

Choice C reason: Review of the neighborhood is the first thing that the nurse should perform, as it is an environmental assessment that can provide valuable information about the client's living conditions, safety, and resources. Review of the neighborhood is important to identify any potential hazards, barriers, or needs that may affect the client's health and well-being, and to plan appropriate interventions and referrals.

Choice D reason: Family history is not the first thing that the nurse should perform, as it is a genetic and social assessment that can be done later in the visit. Family history is important to determine the client's risk of inheriting or developing certain diseases, and to understand the client's family dynamics and support system, but it is not a priority for the initial visit.