When evaluating a community’s health promotion needs, what is the first step the nurse should take?

Answer and explanation

The correct answer is Choice D.

Choice A rationale

While reminding drivers to wear seatbelts is important for overall road safety, it does not directly enhance the safety of children walking to and from school.

Choice B rationale

Advising residents to keep their porch lights on can improve visibility during hours of low light. However, this measure may not significantly enhance the safety of children walking to and from school during daylight hours.

Choice C rationale

Encouraging residents to have their homes inspected for high lead levels is important for overall community health, but it does not directly impact the safety of children walking to and from school.

Choice D rationale

Facilitating a discussion about the advantages of having designated safe houses located throughout the school neighborhood can significantly enhance the safety of children walking to and from school. Safe houses can provide a secure place for children to go if they feel threatened or in danger while walking to or from school.

Answer and explanation

The correct answer is Choice A.

Choice A rationale

Conducting interviews with community members is a crucial first step when evaluating a community's health promotion needs[^30^]³²³³³?. These interviews can provide valuable insights into the community's health concerns, behaviors, and needs. They can also help

identify barriers to health promotion and potential strategies for overcoming these

barriers[^30^]³²³³³?.

Choice B rationale

Organizing a health fair for the entire community can be a valuable health promotion strategy. However, it would not typically be the first step in evaluating a community's health promotion needs. Before organizing such an event, it would be important to understand the specific health concerns, behaviors, and needs of the community, which could be achieved through methods such as interviews with community members[^30^]³²³³³?.

Choice C rationale

Forecasting future healthcare needs is an important aspect of health promotion planning. However, it would not typically be the first step in evaluating a community's health promotion needs. Before forecasting future needs, it would be important to understand the current health concerns, behaviors, and needs of the community, which could be achieved through methods such as interviews with community members[^30^]³²³³³?.

Choice D rationale

Assessing the outcomes of previous projects can provide valuable insights for future health promotion efforts. However, it would not typically be the first step in evaluating a community's health promotion needs. Before assessing previous outcomes, it would be important to understand the current health concerns, behaviors, and needs of the community, which could be achieved through methods such as interviews with community members[^30^]³²³³³?.