The nurse is providing education on epidemiology to a nursing student. Which of the following statements indicates the importance of epidemiology to the community health nurse? SELECT ALL THAT APPLY

Choice A: Encourage community members to practice fire drills. This is incorrect because fire drills are a part of the preparedness phase, not the prevention/mitigation phase. The prevention/mitigation phase aims to reduce the risk and impact of disasters, while the preparedness phase aims to enhance the readiness and response capacity of individuals and communities.

Choice B: Identify community members who have disabilities. This is incorrect because identifying community members who have disabilities is also a part of the preparedness phase, not the prevention/mitigation phase. The prevention/mitigation phase focuses on actions that can prevent or minimize the occurrence or effects of disasters, such as installing smoke detectors, reinforcing buildings, or creating evacuation routes.

Choice C: Provide first aid to community members affected by a tornado. This is incorrect because providing first aid to community members affected by a tornado is a part of the response phase, not the prevention/mitigation phase. The response phase involves immediate actions to save lives, protect property, and meet basic needs after a disaster occurs.

Choice D: Assist community members in developing a disaster plan. This is correct because assisting community members in developing a disaster plan is a part of the prevention/mitigation phase. A disaster plan can help identify potential hazards, assess vulnerabilities, establish goals and objectives, and implement strategies to reduce the risk and impact of disasters.

Choice A reason: Mitral valve disease is not a disorder that makes clients especially vulnerable to ozone effects, as it does not affect the respiratory system. Mitral valve disease is a condition that affects the mitral valve, which is the valve that separates the left atrium and the left ventricle of the heart. Mitral valve disease can cause the valve to become narrow (stenosis) or leaky (regurgitation), affecting the blood flow and oxygen delivery to the body. Mitral valve disease can cause symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue, chest pain, palpitations, and swelling of the legs.

Choice B reason: Asthma is a disorder that makes clients especially vulnerable to ozone effects, as it affects the respiratory system. Asthma is a chronic inflammatory condition that causes the airways to become narrow, swollen, and sensitive to triggers such as allergens, irritants, infections, or exercise. Asthma can cause symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and difficulty breathing. Ozone is a gas that is formed when sunlight reacts with pollutants in the air. Ozone can irritate the lungs and worsen asthma symptoms by causing inflammation, bronchoconstriction, and mucus production. Ozone can also reduce lung function and increase the risk of respiratory infections.

Choice C reason: Nasal polyps are not a disorder that makes clients especially vulnerable to ozone effects, as they do not affect the respiratory system. Nasal polyps are benign growths that form in the lining of the nose or sinuses. Nasal polyps can cause symptoms such as nasal congestion, runny nose, postnasal drip, loss of smell or taste, headache, and snoring. Nasal polyps are usually associated with chronic inflammation or allergies, but their exact cause is unknown.

Choice D reason: Seasonal allergies are not a disorder that makes clients especially vulnerable to ozone effects, as they do not affect the respiratory system. Seasonal allergies are allergic reactions that occur during certain times of the year when pollen or mold spores are high in the air. Seasonal allergies can cause symptoms such as sneezing, itching, watery eyes, runny nose, and sore throat. Seasonal allergies are caused by an overreaction of the immune system to harmless substances in the environment.