Public Health Nursing Practice Exam

What is an appropriate response from a nurse regarding a diabetic client's Internet research?

1. Looking at the date the content was posted is important

2. The Internet is an unreliable source of information

3. The best information is found on pharmaceutical websites

4. Your physician will provide better information than the Internet

The correct answer is: Looking at the date the content was posted is important

The selection of the importance of looking at the date the content was posted reflects a key aspect of evaluating Internet research accuracy and relevance. In the context of health information, especially concerning conditions like diabetes, medical knowledge and guidelines can rapidly evolve. Research and recommendations can change over time, making it critical to assess when the information was published. An old article may contain outdated or incorrect health advice that could adversely affect the client's management of their diabetes. By focusing on the recency of the information, the nurse is encouraging the client to seek out reliable and current resources. This approach promotes critical thinking about the quality of the information they are encountering online. It emphasizes that not all information found on the Internet is trustworthy, and readers must be discerning about the sources they choose to consult, taking into account how recently the data has been verified or updated. In contrast, dismissing the Internet altogether as an unreliable source disregards the potential of reputable websites that provide valuable health information. Similarly, suggesting that only pharmaceutical websites are trustworthy narrows the scope of available knowledge to a single type of source. Finally, claiming that a physician will always provide better information downplays the role of self-education and might discourage the client from engaging with useful online resources.