Public Health Nursing Practice Exam

When completing a community assessment, what should the nurse primarily aim to do?

1. Identify community needs and clarify problems

2. Determine the weaknesses of a community

3. Perform the core functions of public health nursing

4. Assess individual needs within a community

The correct answer is: Identify community needs and clarify problems

When conducting a community assessment, the nurse's primary aim is to identify community needs and clarify problems. This process is essential for ensuring that interventions are effectively aligned with the actual issues faced by the community. By focusing on understanding the specific challenges, strengths, resources, and needs of the community, the nurse can gather crucial information that will guide future planning, program development, and resource allocation. Identifying community needs helps prioritize areas requiring immediate attention and intervention, thereby facilitating the development of tailored strategies that can enhance community health outcomes. This foundational work sets the stage for meaningful engagement with community members and stakeholders, ensuring that interventions are relevant and appropriately targeted. While determining weaknesses of a community, performing the core functions of public health nursing, and assessing individual needs within a community are important aspects of public health nursing, the overarching goal of a community assessment specifically emphasizes the identification of broader community needs and problems. This holistic perspective allows for the integration of various dimensions of health and well-being, ultimately leading to more effective public health initiatives.