The community health nurse determines that the average family income of a certain community is $67,000 per year with a range of $27,000 to $102,000.
Based on this demographic information, which additional information is important for the nurse to assess?

Answer and explanation The correct answer is C. Choice A rationale

Delineating the geographic distribution of the area to survey and review for patterns could provide useful information about the spread of influenza in the community, but it would not directly provide data about vaccination rates or reasons for any decline.

Choice B rationale

Asking a set number of clients if they have had the flu could provide anecdotal information about the prevalence of the flu, but it would not provide comprehensive data about vaccination rates or reasons for any decline.

Choice C rationale

Generating influenza immunization and case reports from the electronic record would provide direct data about the number of people who have been vaccinated and the number of influenza cases. This information could be used to identify trends and understand reasons for any decline in vaccination rates.

Choice D rationale

Determining the change in immunization rates from the previous year to the current year would provide information about trends in vaccination rates, but it would not provide comprehensive data about the number of influenza cases or reasons for any decline.

Answer and explanation The correct answer is D. Choice A rationale

While informing citizens about the importance of immunization is a good step, it may not be the most effective initial action. It’s important to first understand the extent of the problem and the specific areas where immunization rates are low.

Choice B rationale

Partnering with a local hospital to set up free immunization clinics is a great initiative. However, without first understanding the specific areas of low immunization and the reasons behind it, this effort might not be targeted effectively.

Choice C rationale

Joining a political action group could help bring attention to the issue, but it might not directly address the problem. The nurse first needs to understand the current situation and the areas of the city where the immunization rates are particularly low.

Choice D rationale

Reviewing current epidemiological population data would provide the nurse with a clear picture of the immunization rates in different sections of the city. This should be the initial step as it would guide subsequent actions, such as setting up immunization clinics in areas where they are most needed.