Recognizing Cues
What is the CHN’s first assessment priority when supporting Sara after her collapse?
The CHN’s first assessment priority is Sara’s nutritional intake and mental health status. These directly impact her immediate safety and help determine the severity of her disordered eating and psychosocial distress. Without this baseline, further interventions at family, school, or community levels cannot be effectively planned.
What type of CHN intervention could support Sara directly?
Nutrition counseling, referral to youth health clinic, screening for mental health
Why can’t the CHN ignore the school environment even if Sara is stabilized?
Because peer culture and the school setting are reinforcing harmful behaviors like dieting, food restriction, and body shaming. If the CHN ignores the school environment, Sara may relapse, and other students remain at risk. Community health nursing requires going beyond the individual to address the social and environmental determinants of health — in this case, school culture is a driver of disordered eating patterns.
Most concerning school cues?
Fatigue, poor concentration, disordered eating signs
➡Takeaway: CHNs prioritize systemic issues — if many students show the same cues, it signals a school-wide health problem that requires coordinated interventions.
300: What school-level intervention could address the peer culture?
Wellness committee addressing body image, social media literacy programs, peer support groups
What is problematic about Sara’s father dismissing her condition?
Stigma, gender bias, underestimating health risk, lack of support
Which determinants of health are most relevant in Sara’s situation?
Adolescence, peer influence, social media, family income, immigrant status, access to care
From a CHN perspective, why is TikTok considered a determinant of health for adolescents?
Because social media exposure directly influences behaviors, self-esteem, and health outcomes; CHNs must address it through media literacy programs and health promotion.
From a CHN perspective, why must interventions for eating disorders go beyond a one-size-fits-all approach?
Because each adolescent’s experience is shaped by their cultural background, family context, and community resources. A one-size-fits-all model risks overlooking vulnerable groups like immigrant youth or those in low-income communities. CHNs must tailor strategies, such as using interpreters, partnering with cultural organizations, or linking families to accessible community programs to ensure interventions are effective and equitable.