An employee presents to an occupational health nurse with concerns that their hearing is worse on one side. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first to address the employee's concern?

Choice A: A Client Who is Below the Age of 18
Medicare is primarily designed for individuals who are 65 years of age or older. However, there are exceptions for younger individuals with certain disabilities or specific conditions like End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) or Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Generally, children under the age of 18 are not eligible for Medicare unless they meet these specific criteria.

Choice B: A Client Who is Age 65 or Older
This is the correct answer. Medicare is a federal health insurance program primarily for people who are 65 years of age or older. It provides coverage for hospital care (Part A), medical services (Part B), and prescription drugs (Part D). Individuals who are 65 or older are automatically eligible for Medicare if they or their spouse have paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years.

Choice C: A Client Whose Income is Below the Poverty Line
Medicare eligibility is not based on income level. Instead, it is primarily age-based (65 or older) or condition-based (certain disabilities, ESRD, or ALS). Individuals with low income may qualify for Medicaid, a separate program that provides health coverage for low-income individuals and families.

Choice D: A Client Who Does Not Have Any Other Kind of Health Insurance
Lack of other health insurance does not automatically qualify someone for Medicare. Eligibility for Medicare is based on age (65 or older) or specific medical conditions, not on the absence of other health insurance. Individuals without other health insurance may explore options like Medicaid or the Health Insurance Marketplace.

Choice A: "For Best Results, Collaboration in the Community Should Be Limited to a Smaller Number of Groups Sharing Common Backgrounds and Interests."
This statement is incorrect. Effective collaboration in community health involves bringing together diverse groups with different backgrounds and interests. This diversity enriches the collaborative process by incorporating a wide range of perspectives, experiences, and expertise, which can lead to more comprehensive and effective solutions to community health issues.

Choice B: "I Will Act Only in a Subservient Role, Taking Direction from Community Leaders in Collaborative Efforts."
This statement is also incorrect. While it is important to respect and work with community leaders, effective collaboration requires active participation and contribution from all team members, including the public health nurse. Collaboration is a partnership where all members share responsibility and contribute their knowledge and skills to achieve common goals.

Choice C: "Collaboration Allows Key Stakeholders to Share Differing Viewpoints."
This is the correct statement. Collaboration in community health is about bringing together key stakeholders to share their differing viewpoints and expertise. This inclusive approach ensures that all relevant perspectives are considered, leading to more holistic and effective strategies for addressing community health issues.

Choice D: "I Will Encourage Subpopulations to Develop Unique Goals to Meet Their Unique Needs."
While it is important to recognize and address the unique needs of subpopulations, this statement does not fully capture the essence of collaboration. Effective collaboration involves integrating the goals and needs of various subpopulations into a cohesive strategy that benefits the entire community. Encouraging subpopulations to develop unique goals is part of the process, but it should be done within the context of a collaborative effort.