Which of the following is a function of a population health nurse?

Choice A: Prevalence Rate
The prevalence rate measures the total number of cases of a disease or health condition in a population at a specific point in time or over a specified period. It is expressed as a proportion of the population. While useful for understanding the burden of disease, the prevalence rate does not provide information on the number of deaths, making it unsuitable for calculating mortality data.

Choice B: Case Fatality Rate
The case fatality rate (CFR) is the proportion of individuals diagnosed with a particular disease who die from that disease within a specified period. It is expressed as a percentage. While CFR provides insight into the severity of a disease, it does not give the overall number of deaths in a population, nor does it specify the age group affected.

Choice C: Age-Specific Mortality Rate
The age-specific mortality rate is the number of deaths in a specific age group per 100,000 population in that age group over a given period. This measure is ideal for calculating the number of deaths among school-age children, as it provides detailed mortality data specific to that age group. By using this rate, the nurse can accurately determine the mortality rate for school-age children in the county.

Choice D: Cause-Specific Mortality Rate
The cause-specific mortality rate is the number of deaths from a specific cause per 100,000 population in a given year. While this measure is useful for understanding the impact of specific diseases or conditions, it does not provide a comprehensive view of mortality across different age groups. Therefore, it is not the best choice for calculating the overall number of deaths among school-age children.

Choice A Reason:
A social worker consult can provide valuable resources and support for managing the care of a mentally ill parent. Social workers can assist with navigating healthcare systems, accessing community resources, and providing emotional support. However, this referral may not provide the immediate peer support and shared experiences that a support group offers. Social workers are excellent for long-term planning and resource management but may not address the immediate emotional needs as effectively as a support group.

Choice B Reason:
A support group is an ideal first-level support for someone feeling overwhelmed and exhausted from caregiving responsibilities. Support groups offer a space for individuals to share their experiences, receive emotional support, and learn coping strategies from others in similar situations. This peer support can be incredibly validating and comforting, helping the client feel less isolated and more understood. Support groups can provide immediate relief and practical advice, making them a highly effective initial referral.

Choice C Reason:
Referring the client to a psychiatrist is important for addressing any potential mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety, that may arise from the stress of caregiving. Psychiatrists can provide medication management and therapeutic interventions. However, this referral may not offer the immediate peer support and shared experiences that a support group provides. While psychiatric care is crucial, it may be more appropriate as a follow-up referral after addressing the client's immediate need for emotional support.

Choice D Reason:
A life coach can help individuals set goals, develop strategies for personal growth, and improve overall well-being. However, life coaching may not be the most appropriate referral for someone dealing with the specific emotional and practical challenges of caregiving for a mentally ill parent. Life coaches typically focus on personal development and achieving future goals, which may not address the immediate emotional support needs of the client.