A community health nurse is working with a group of homeless veterans who have posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Which of the following interventions should the nurse implement?

Choice A reason: Motor vehicle safety is the topic that the nurse should give priority to, as it is the leading cause of death for adolescents. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), road traffic injuries are the top cause of death among 15- to 19-year-olds globally, accounting for 115 000 deaths in 2019¹. Adolescents are vulnerable road users, especially as drivers, passengers, pedestrians, cyclists, or motorcyclists. The nurse should educate the adolescents about the risk factors and prevention strategies for road traffic injuries, such as wearing seat belts, helmets, and reflective clothing, avoiding distractions, alcohol, and drugs, and following traffic rules and signs.

Choice B reason: Sports injury prevention is not the topic that the nurse should give priority to, as it is not the leading cause of death for adolescents. Sports injuries are common among adolescents, as they are physically active and participate in various sports and recreational activities. Sports injuries can cause pain, disability, or death, depending on the type, severity, and location of the injury. The nurse should educate the adolescents about the risk factors and prevention strategies for sports injuries, such as warming up, cooling down, stretching, using protective equipment, and seeking medical attention when needed.

Choice C reason: Substance abuse prevention is not the topic that the nurse should give priority to, as it is not the leading cause of death for adolescents. Substance abuse is the harmful use of psychoactive substances, such as alcohol, tobacco, or drugs, that can affect the health and well-being of adolescents. Substance abuse can cause acute or chronic effects, such as intoxication, overdose, addiction, organ damage, or mental disorders. The nurse should educate the adolescents about the risk factors and prevention strategies for substance abuse, such as avoiding peer pressure, coping with stress, seeking help, and accessing treatment.

Choice D reason: Gun safety is not the topic that the nurse should give priority to, as it is not the leading cause of death for adolescents. Gun safety is the practice of using firearms in a safe and responsible manner, to prevent accidental or intentional injuries or deaths. Gun safety can involve proper handling, storage, and disposal of firearms, as well as education and awareness about the dangers and consequences of gun violence. The nurse should educate the adolescents about the risk factors and prevention strategies for gun safety, such as avoiding access to firearms, reporting threats, and supporting non-violent solutions.

Choice A reason: Collecting data to identify barriers to learning is the first action that the nurse should take. This is based on the principle of assessment, which states that the nurse should gather information about the needs, interests, and characteristics of the target population before planning any intervention. The nurse should assess the barriers that may prevent the adolescents from participating in or benefiting from the program, such as lack of knowledge, motivation, access, or support.

Choice B reason: Establishing methods to evaluate program outcomes is not the first action that the nurse should take. This is based on the principle of evaluation, which states that the nurse should measure the effectiveness and impact of the intervention after implementing it. The nurse should determine the criteria and indicators that will be used to evaluate the program outcomes, such as changes in knowledge, attitudes, behaviors, or health status.

Choice C reason: Obtaining visual aids that feature adolescents is not the first action that the nurse should take. This is based on the principle of implementation, which states that the nurse should deliver the intervention using appropriate strategies and resources. The nurse should obtain visual aids that are relevant, accurate, and appealing to the adolescents, and that can enhance the learning process and the message delivery.

Choice D reason: Providing computer-based education is not the first action that the nurse should take. This is based on the principle of implementation, which states that the nurse should deliver the intervention using appropriate strategies and resources. The nurse should provide computer-based education if it is feasible, accessible, and preferred by the adolescents, and if it can facilitate the learning objectives and outcomes.