Community / public health nursing · practice question

The community health nurse at a public health clinic is being evaluated for community health nursing and screening programs. The nurse reviews this trend: three new cases of the same reportable infection are identified in one week. Which interpretation and action are most appropriate?

Multiple choiceMediumnclex-rn-bsnnclex-validatednclex-2026community-public-health

Ignore the trend because one data point can be explained later.Wait for a critical value or sentinel event before taking any nursing action.Interpret the trend in context, compare it with baseline or benchmarks, and take the safest indicated action.Treat a single value without comparing it with baseline, symptoms, or benchmarks.

Answer and explanation

Correct answer

C. Interpret the trend in context, compare it with baseline or benchmarks, and take the safest indicated action.

Why

Trend questions require comparison with baseline, symptoms, risk, and benchmarks. Safe nursing action begins before a preventable event becomes critical.

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The community health nurse at a public health clinic is being evaluated for community health nursing and screening programs. The nurse reviews this trend: three new cases of the same reportable infection are identified in one week. Which interpretation and action are most appropriate?

Correct answer

Why

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