An occupational health nurse is planning a program on early detection of breast cancer for employees at a local business. Which of the following is the first action the nurse should take?

A. Develop educational materials for employees.

Developing educational materials is an important step but should come after assessing the employees' knowledge level. Tailoring materials based on the specific needs identified through assessment enhances the relevance and effectiveness of the educational content.

B. Have breast models available to employees during teaching sessions.

Having breast models is a valuable resource for hands-on demonstrations during teaching sessions. However, the availability of breast models is a component of the educational program rather than the initial step.

C. Determine employee knowledge level of breast self-examination.

Explanation: Before implementing an educational program, it is essential to assess the baseline knowledge and awareness of the target audience. By determining the employees' knowledge level of breast self-examination (BSE), the nurse can tailor the program to address specific needs and gaps in understanding. This assessment helps in designing an effective and targeted educational intervention.

D. Schedule a guest speaker to talk about breast cancer to employees.

Bringing in a guest speaker is a useful strategy, but it may be more effective after assessing the employees' existing knowledge. This allows the guest speaker to focus on specific areas of interest and address the unique needs identified through the assessment.

A. Help clients gather needed supplies.

Incorrect: While helping clients gather supplies is important, addressing their physical needs, including providing these supplies directly, takes precedence. The focus should be on immediate assistance rather than guiding them to gather resources on their own.

B. Address the physical needs of clients.

Correct: This is the priority action because ensuring individuals have access to essential resources like food, water, shelter, and medical care is crucial for their immediate well-being and safety.

C. Explore feelings the clients are experiencing.

Incorrect: Emotional support is essential, but it becomes a priority after addressing the immediate physical needs. Exploring feelings and providing psychological support are crucial aspects of disaster response but are secondary to ensuring physical well-being.

D. Create diversionary activities for children.

Incorrect: While creating activities for children is important for their well-being, it is a lower priority than addressing their immediate physical needs. Once the basic necessities are met, diversionary activities can contribute to the emotional well-being of the affected individuals.