Scenario:

As a community health nurse, you work in an outpatient clinic in a community that primarily serves elderly patients.

In comparison to last year, you observed that bronchitis, asthma, pneumonia, and influenza accounted for 85 percent of hospitalizations this year. Colds, sore throats, influenza, bronchitis, and pneumonia were the most common reasons for visits at the time.

Following her hospital discharge, Maria Perez, a 73-year-old Cuban American woman, was referred for community health nursing services. She consumes two packs of cigarettes each day. She was recently admitted to the hospital due to severe shortness of breath caused by an asthma attack. The primary care provider recommended that Albuterol be administered via jet nebulizer every 4-6 hours as needed. Mrs. Perez lives alone and is responsible for three cats.

Instructions:

Read the above scenario and respond to the following questions:
What biophysical, psychological, physical environmental, sociocultural, behavioral, and health-care system factors are influencing Mrs. Perez’s health?
Describe at least three primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention strategies that would be suitable for resolving Mrs. Perez’s health issues. What makes them appropriate?
What health promotion and disease prevention activities do you have planned for the late fall?
How would you assess the effectiveness of your nursing interventions? What criteria would you use to assess health-care quality?