A public health nurse is preparing an educational session at a community health center about the social determinants of health (SDOH). Which of the following information should the nurse include?

Choice A rationale:

Health promotion is the correct concept demonstrated by the nurse. Health promotion refers to activities and strategies that aim to enhance an individual's overall health and well-being. Educating the client with heart disease about the importance of eating a heart-healthy diet is a proactive step towards improving their health.

Choice B rationale:

Holistic health is a broader approach that considers the whole person, including physical, mental, and social aspects. While it is an important concept, the nurse, in this scenario, is primarily focused on educating the client about a specific aspect of their health, which is heart disease management.

Choice C rationale:

Health education is a component of health promotion, but it specifically refers to the process of providing individuals with knowledge and skills to make informed decisions about their health. In this case, the nurse is providing education as a means of promoting the client's health.

Choice D rationale:

Primary prevention involves measures to prevent the development of a disease or condition before it occurs. While promoting a heart-healthy diet is a form of prevention, it does not specifically align with the concept of primary prevention, which typically involves actions taken to avoid the initial occurrence of a health problem.

The correct answer is: A

Choice A reason: Providing the nurse administering medications with an identifying vest can help reduce medication errors by making it easier for other staff and patients to identify the nurse responsible for medication administration. This can minimize interruptions and distractions, which are common causes of medication errors. It also serves as a visual reminder to the nurse of their critical role in medication safety.

Choice B reason: Removing medications from automatic dispensing systems before they are reviewed by pharmacists is not a recommended practice. Pharmacists play a crucial role in reviewing prescriptions for accuracy and potential drug interactions before dispensing. Therefore, medications should remain in the dispensing system until they have been properly reviewed and approved by a pharmacist.

Choice C reason: Waiting to document medications given to clients until the end of a shift is not advisable. Accurate and timely documentation is essential in healthcare, particularly when it comes to medication administration. Documentation should occur as soon as the medication is given to ensure that all healthcare providers have up-to-date information and to prevent errors such as omissions or duplications.

Choice D reason: Preparing medications for multiple clients at the same time increases the risk of errors, such as mix-ups between patients or incorrect dosing. It is best practice to prepare and administer medications for one client at a time, following the ‘five rights’ of medication administration: the right patient, the right drug, the right dose, the right route, and the right time.