Recognizing Cues
What health problem does Mark already have?
High blood pressure
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 is the first priority in planning nursing interventions for Alex?
Safety and symptom stabilization
What type of CHN intervention could support Sara directly?
Nutrition counseling, referral to youth health clinic, screening for mental health
Why must nurses respect Alex’s autonomy in care planning?
He is an adult capable of participating in decisions, which promotes dignity and engagement.
What feeling shows Mark’s mental health is affected by housing insecurity?
He feels stressed and unsafe
Why does Mark eat mostly fast food and shelter meals?
He doesn’t have stable housing or money for healthy food
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.
What resource could help Mark keep his medications safe?
A community health centre with safe storage
(Alex) What ethical concern arises when a caregiver is burned out? a) Medication shortage b) Risk of neglect or insufficient support c) Lack of access to medical technology d) Financial burden to health care system
b) Risk of neglect or insufficient support
What sign shows that Mark’s housing situation is making his health worse?
He often misses his medication because it gets lost or stolen
Most concerning school cues? (saras case)
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.
Which hypothesis would guide a nurse’s intervention regarding Alex’s weight gain?
Weight gain may indicate metabolic side effects from risperidone, requiring monitoring and lifestyle support.
Sara: What school-level intervention could best address the peer culture of dieting and body comparison?
A. Monthly nutrition lectures about calories and weight control.
B. Brief peer-led discussions on media literacy and body acceptance.
C. Cafeteria monitoring to prevent food waste.
D. Assigning only Sara to meet with the school counselor.
B because research shows that when students are taught to critically question online images and talk openly about peer pressure, they are less likely to feel pressured to diet, compare bodies, or hide food—the very behaviours driving Sara’s school’s unhealthy culture.
What is problematic about Sara’s father dismissing her condition?
Sara’s father dismissing her condition is problematic because it downplays the seriousness of her symptoms, delays early intervention, and may cause her to feel unsupported or ashamed. This increases the risk of her health worsening and creates a barrier to seeking help.
Which determinants of health are most relevant in Sara’s situation?
Adolescence, peer influence, social media, family income, immigrant status, access to care
(sara) 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.
What is the biggest problem to focus on first for Mark?
His unstable housing, because it affects everything else
How can nurses monitor outcomes after implementing interventions for Alex?
Track changes in mental status, medication adherence, social participation, and housing stability.
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.
What changes in Alex’s physical health are relevant to his mental health assessment?
10 kg weight gain (BMI 31), elevated BP and HR, tremors from medication
How do stress, poor sleep, and unhealthy meals connect to mark's blood pressure?
They all make his blood pressure harder to control.
How would you prioritize interventions using Maslow’s hierarchy for Alex? 1.)Physical Health, 2.)Safety, 3.)Psychosocial Health,4.)Social and Financial Stability
1.) Safety first, 2.) then physical health 3.) then psychosocial support 4.) lastly finally long-term social and financial stability.
What long-term solution would best improve Mark’s overall health?
Getting stable, affordable housing
Why should nurses give care without judgment to Mark?
Because everyone has the right to fair, respectful healthcare