Public Health Nursing Practice Exam

What is the role of a nurse providing tertiary prevention to women who are HIV positive?

1. Help identify new cases

2. Educate about self-care and rights as employees

3. Establish a community health partnership

4. Teach lobbying techniques

The correct answer is: Educate about self-care and rights as employees

In the context of public health nursing, tertiary prevention focuses on managing and mitigating the effects of an existing illness or disability to improve quality of life and functional status. For women who are HIV positive, the role of the nurse in providing tertiary prevention is critical to ensuring that individuals receive the support and education necessary to live healthy lives with the condition. Educating about self-care encompasses teaching patients how to manage their health effectively, including adherence to antiretroviral therapy, recognition of symptoms or complications associated with HIV or related conditions, and the importance of regular medical follow-up. Furthermore, it involves instructing individuals about their rights as employees, which can help alleviate the stigma and discrimination that may arise in workplace settings. This approach empowers patients to take charge of their health, facilitate better interactions with healthcare providers, and navigate their social environments more effectively. It underscores the importance of informed decision-making and self-advocacy, which are essential components of living well with HIV. In contrast, identifying new cases pertains more to primary or secondary prevention strategies, whereas establishing community health partnerships and teaching lobbying techniques are strategies that generally fit within broader public health initiatives or policy advocacy rather than direct patient education and support. These activities can be important, but they do not specifically address the