Given the limited supply, the local health department is required to prioritize the distribution of influenza vaccines. Who should the public health nurse advise to return to the clinic when more vaccines are available?

The correct answer is B. Perceived susceptibility.

Explanation:

The Health Belief Model (HBM) explains health-related behaviors based on an individual's perceptions. Perceived susceptibility refers to a person's belief about their risk of developing a disease. In this case, the client believes they are not susceptible to the flu, which influences their decision not to get vaccinated.

Why the other options are incorrect:

• A. Perceived barriers – This refers to obstacles preventing someone from taking action, such as cost or fear of side effects. The client did not mention barriers, only their belief that they don’t get the flu.

• C. Perceived severity – This relates to how serious a person believes a condition is. The client did not indicate concern about how severe the flu might be, only that they don’t expect to get it.

• D. Perceived benefits – This focuses on a person’s belief in the effectiveness of an action. The client’s response does not express doubts about the vaccine’s benefits, just their belief that flu prevention is unnecessary for them.

Answer and explanation

The correct answer is Choice C.

Choice A rationale

While ensuring safe drinking water is important during a disaster, it may not be the most important content for a community health nurse to include in a disaster management class in a Gulf Coast town that caters to tourists.

Choice B rationale

Knowing available evacuation routes from the town is crucial during a disaster. However, in a Gulf Coast town that caters to tourists, the most significant threat is likely to be hurricanes.

Choice C rationale

Given the geographical location of the Gulf Coast town, hurricane preparedness for families and businesses is the most important content to include in the class. Hurricanes are a common natural disaster in this area, and being prepared can help reduce the impact of such events.

Choice D rationale

While it’s important to know what actions to take during a tornado, tornadoes are not as common as hurricanes in Gulf Coast towns. Therefore, hurricane preparedness would be more relevant to include in the class.