Public Health Nursing Practice Exam

Which aspect of a migrant worker's lifestyle should be assessed first by the nurse?

1. Current communicable diseases

2. Pesticide exposure

3. Housing arrangements

4. Educational level

The correct answer is: Housing arrangements

The first aspect of a migrant worker's lifestyle that should be assessed is housing arrangements. This is essential because housing can significantly impact an individual's overall health and quality of life. Migrant workers often face unstable living conditions, which can contribute to various health issues, including poor sanitation, overcrowding, and exposure to environmental hazards. Understanding the housing arrangement gives insight into potential risks such as exposure to communicable diseases, the presence of harmful substances like pesticides, and even psychosocial factors related to their living environment. Assessing housing first allows the nurse to prioritize interventions that can help improve the worker’s safety and health. In contrast, while current communicable diseases are important to evaluate, they can often be influenced by the conditions of the housing. Similarly, pesticide exposure is a concern but may be tied to where and how the worker lives. Educational level, although relevant for understanding health literacy and access to care, is secondary to ensuring that the basic living conditions are safe and healthy. Thus, the order of assessment reflects the priority given to immediate factors impacting health and well-being.