A nurse at a college health clinic is caring for a young adult. Which action should the nurse take first?

A nurse at a college health clinic is caring for a young adult. Which action should the nurse take first?

• A. Provide information about meningitis immunization
• B. Schedule TB skin testing every 2 years
• C. Determine the client’s health risks
• D. Teach exercise recommendations

Answer: (C)

Beginning with a health risk assessment aligns with the nursing process: gather data about the client’s health history, risk factors, and lifestyle before planning care. For a college-age student, determining health risks first identifies what interventions are most needed and ensures any education or screenings that follow are relevant and appropriate. Immunization information, TB testing, and exercise guidance are all important, but they should be based on the individual’s risk profile and current status rather than addressed in isolation. By assessing risks upfront, the nurse can tailor preventive services and prioritize issues that could most affect the student’s health.

Beginning with a health risk assessment aligns with the nursing process: gather data about the client’s health history, risk factors, and lifestyle before planning care. For a college-age student, determining health risks first identifies what interventions are most needed and ensures any education or screenings that follow are relevant and appropriate. Immunization information, TB testing, and exercise guidance are all important, but they should be based on the individual’s risk profile and current status rather than addressed in isolation. By assessing risks upfront, the nurse can tailor preventive services and prioritize issues that could most affect the student’s health.