A nurse is caring for a client scheduled for a functional assessment who asks, “What is the purpose of this assessment?” How should the nurse most appropriately respond to the client?

Choice A reason:

Seasonal allergies, also known as allergic rhinitis, can be exacerbated by air pollutants, including ozone. However, individuals with asthma are more severely affected by ozone exposure. Ozone can trigger asthma attacks and worsen symptoms, making it a more critical concern for those with asthma.

Choice B reason:

Mitral valve disease affects the heart’s mitral valve and can lead to symptoms such as shortness of breath and fatigue. While air pollution can impact cardiovascular health, ozone specifically poses a greater risk to individuals with respiratory conditions like asthma rather than those with mitral valve disease.

Choice C reason:

Nasal polyps are noncancerous growths in the nasal passages or sinuses that can cause breathing difficulties and chronic sinus infections. Although air pollutants can irritate the nasal passages, individuals with asthma are more vulnerable to the harmful effects of ozone, which can exacerbate their respiratory symptoms.

Choice D reason:

Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition characterized by inflammation and narrowing of the airways, leading to difficulty breathing. Ozone exposure can significantly worsen asthma symptoms, trigger asthma attacks, and reduce lung function. Therefore, individuals with asthma are especially vulnerable to the effects of ozone.

Choice A reason:

Closing the school for 6 weeks is an extreme measure that is not typically warranted for managing influenza outbreaks. Public health guidelines usually recommend temporary closures or other measures to control the spread of infection, but a 6-week closure is excessive and disruptive.

Choice B reason:

Education regarding respiratory and hand hygiene is an appropriate and effective action to help control the spread of influenza. Teaching students and staff about proper handwashing techniques, respiratory etiquette, and other preventive measures can significantly reduce the transmission of the virus. This approach empowers the school community to take proactive steps in preventing further infections.

Choice C reason:

Discipline in the school setting for improper handwashing is not an appropriate response. While it is important to encourage proper hygiene practices, using disciplinary measures can create a negative environment and may not effectively promote behavior change. Education and positive reinforcement are more effective strategies.

Choice D reason:

Running a mandatory flu clinic can be beneficial, but it is not the most immediate or appropriate action in response to an outbreak. Flu clinics are typically part of broader vaccination efforts and may not address the immediate need to control the current outbreak. Education on hygiene practices is a more immediate and practical response.