The school health nurse observes that a large percentage of Hispanic children in the elementary school are overweight. Which screening program should the nurse choose to target the highest priority health concern for this population?

A) The parent's judgment is likely too impaired to provide care for the child:
While a significant increase in alcohol consumption may affect a parent's ability to provide appropriate care for their child, this conclusion is not directly supported by the information provided. The child’s statement about the increase in alcohol consumption indicates a change in drinking behavior but does not explicitly detail the impact on parental judgment or caregiving abilities.
B) Since the parent is increasing his alcohol intake, it is likely that he will soon begin using other addicting drugs:
An increase in alcohol consumption does not necessarily imply that the individual will start using other addictive substances. While alcohol use can be part of a broader pattern of substance abuse, there is no direct evidence from the statement to support this prediction. The focus should remain on the observed change in alcohol use rather than speculating about future drug use.
C) The parent is exhibiting tolerance to alcohol and must increase the amount to achieve the desired effect:
The child's observation that the father has increased his alcohol intake from one beer a day to a six-pack a day suggests the development of tolerance. Tolerance occurs when an individual needs to consume more of a substance to achieve the same effect. This increase in alcohol consumption indicates that the father’s body has adapted to the lower amounts of alcohol, necessitating larger quantities to achieve the desired effects.
D) The child is denying that there is a problem of alcohol abuse in the family:
The child’s statement does not demonstrate denial but rather reports a change in the father’s drinking behavior. Denial would involve minimizing or refusing to acknowledge the problem, whereas the child is providing a straightforward account of the increase in alcohol consumption. The statement reflects an observation rather than an avoidance of recognizing the issue.

A) Refer to healthcare provider for complete evaluation:
The symptoms described—pale, bluish feet, and sores with poor healing—are indicative of possible peripheral vascular disease, circulatory issues, or other serious conditions that require a thorough medical evaluation. Referring the client to a healthcare provider ensures that a comprehensive assessment can be performed to diagnose the underlying cause and develop an appropriate treatment plan.

B) Send client to the emergency department for treatment:
While the symptoms are concerning, they do not necessarily indicate an immediate emergency requiring urgent care. Referral to a healthcare provider for a complete evaluation is generally more appropriate unless the client exhibits signs of a life-threatening condition or severe infection.

C) Instruct client to apply antibiotic ointment to sores:
Applying antibiotic ointment might help with wound care but does not address the underlying issue that is causing the poor wound healing and the bluish discoloration. Without a complete evaluation, it's uncertain whether antibiotic ointment alone will be sufficient or appropriate.

D) Create a list of foods that promote wound healing:
Although nutrition is important for wound healing, addressing the underlying health issues affecting the client's circulation and skin integrity is more critical. A healthcare provider can offer comprehensive treatment that includes managing the client’s overall health condition, which may involve more than just dietary changes.