A nurse working in a mobile health clinic is assessing a client who is an agricultural worker. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as the priority?

A. "Provide the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) with the client's information": While listeriosis is a nationally notifiable disease, reporting is first done at the state level, which then decides how to proceed with federal notification. Directly sending client information to the CDC is not the nurse’s role.

B. "Inform the client that they are required to have health department staff directly observe their treatment": Directly observed therapy (DOT) is typically used for diseases like tuberculosis, where adherence to a medication regimen is critical. Listeriosis treatment does not require such supervision.

C. "Determine whether the condition is reportable under state requirements": Listeriosis is a reportable disease in most states, but reporting guidelines vary. The nurse must follow state-specific regulations to ensure proper public health response and disease surveillance.

D. "Find out whether the condition is endemic in the client's neighborhood": Listeriosis is typically linked to foodborne outbreaks rather than geographic endemics. Identifying contaminated food sources is more relevant than determining neighborhood endemicity.

A. Identify the client's current health needs: Assessing the client’s history and physical condition allows the case manager to determine immediate health needs. This step ensures that care planning is based on the client’s specific symptoms, disease progression, and required interventions. Identifying health priorities first helps guide appropriate referrals and treatment decisions.

B. Call the provider with a list of client concerns: While communicating concerns to the provider is important, it should be done after identifying the client’s specific health needs. This approach ensures that discussions with the provider are focused and relevant. Without a clear assessment of needs, the information provided may be incomplete or unstructured.

C. Compile a list of community resources for the client: Community resources can support long-term COPD management, but they should be tailored to the client’s identified needs. The case manager must first assess what resources will be beneficial. Providing resources without understanding the client’s priorities may lead to ineffective or unnecessary recommendations.

D. Refer the client to a COPD support group: Support groups can provide valuable education and emotional support, but referrals should be based on the client’s preferences and readiness. Identifying health needs is the priority before making specific referrals. Ensuring that the client is open to and will benefit from a support group enhances the effectiveness of the referral.