​The community health nurse is planning an educational program for a low-income neighborhood and is conducting a windshield survey. What are the components of a windshield survey?

Health Promotion and Disease Prevention

​The community health nurse is planning an educational program for a low-income neighborhood and is conducting a windshield survey. What are the components of a windshield survey?

​A menopausal client complains of being unable to sleep because of hot flashes and asks the benefits of hormonal therapy (HT). What is one (1) benefit the nurse should discuss about implementation of HT?​

The nurse is providing teaching to a client about smoking cessation. What information should the nurse include?

A charge nurse is making shift assignments for the nurses on the unit. One nurse is 6-months pregnant. Which client assignment is not appropriate for the pregnant nurse?

​A nurse is providing anticipatory guidance to parents at a 6-month well-child visit. List three (3) appropriate foods to introduce to a 6-month old infant.

​A nurse is caring for a client taking vancomycin. The provider has ordered a trough level to be drawn. When should the nurse obtain the blood specimen?​

A client with urothelial cancer has an ileal conduit in place. What teaching should the nurse complete with the client regarding this drainage system?​

The nurse is caring for a client receiving chest physiotherapy (CPT) twice daily. What are three (3) assessment findings the nurse should expect after CPT is complete?

​A nurse is caring for a client following shunt placement for treatment of glaucoma. Name three (3) activities that increase the risk of complications following glaucoma surgery.​

A nurse is caring for a client who underwent a hip arthroplasty. What are labs the nurse should monitor during the first 48 hours post-operative phase?

​​A nurse is caring for a client with a wound that is not healing.  The provider has ordered an aerobic wound culture and initiation of cephalexin. In what order should the nurse carry out the provider’s order?​

While auscultating a client’s heart sounds, a nurse hears S1 and S2 sounds. Which heart sound will the nurse associate with closure of the aortic heart valve?

ANSWER

Conducting a Comprehensive Windshield Survey: Components and Importance

Introduction

A windshield survey is an essential tool used by community health nurses to assess the health and social needs of a specific neighborhood or community. By conducting a visual assessment, nurses can gather valuable information about the community’s physical environment, housing conditions, transportation systems, and other factors that contribute to the overall health and well-being of its residents. In this essay, we will explore the components of a windshield survey and discuss their significance in promoting health promotion and disease prevention.

Components of a Windshield Survey

Physical Environment; The physical environment of a community plays a vital role in determining the health outcomes of its residents. During a windshield survey, the nurse examines the overall cleanliness of the streets, quality of housing, availability of green spaces and recreational facilities, and the presence of pollution sources (Krieger & Higgins, 2002). These observations help identify potential environmental hazards and areas that may require intervention to improve the community’s health.

Housing; Housing conditions have a significant impact on an individual’s health. The nurse assesses the types of housing in the community, including single-family homes, apartments, or public housing. They observe the condition of the housing units, looking for signs of disrepair, safety hazards, or overcrowding. Identifying substandard housing allows nurses to address issues related to sanitation, safety, and housing stability, which are critical factors affecting residents’ well-being.

Transportation; Transportation accessibility is crucial for individuals to access healthcare services, employment opportunities, and community resources. During the survey, the nurse examines the availability and adequacy of transportation options in the community, such as public transportation, sidewalks, bike lanes, and parking facilities (Syed et al., 2013). Identifying gaps in transportation infrastructure helps the nurse develop strategies to improve access to essential services, reduce barriers to healthcare, and enhance community mobility.

Importance of a Windshield Survey in Health Promotion and Disease Prevention

Conducting a windshield survey provides valuable insights into the community’s health status and enables healthcare professionals to develop targeted interventions to promote health and prevent diseases (McGuirt, 2011). By examining the physical environment, housing conditions, and transportation systems, nurses can identify potential health risks, disparities, and social determinants of health that may impact the community.

Furthermore, the data collected during a windshield survey can guide the development of health promotion programs, community health initiatives, and policy advocacy. For example, if the survey reveals limited access to nutritious food options, the nurse can collaborate with community organizations to establish farmers’ markets or advocate for the opening of grocery stores in food deserts. Similarly, if inadequate transportation options are identified, the nurse can work towards improving public transportation services or implementing community shuttle programs.

Conclusion

A windshield survey serves as a foundation for community health nurses to understand the unique needs and challenges faced by a specific neighborhood or community. By systematically assessing the physical environment, housing conditions, and transportation systems, nurses can identify health risks, disparities, and social determinants of health. This knowledge enables the development of targeted interventions that promote health, prevent diseases, and address the underlying factors contributing to the community’s well-being. Through their commitment to health promotion and disease prevention, community health nurses play a pivotal role in improving the overall health outcomes and quality of life for individuals and communities.

References

Krieger, J., & Higgins, D. L. (2002). Housing and Health: Time Again for Public Health Action. American Journal of Public Health, 92(5), 758–768. https://doi.org/10.2105/ajph.92.5.758 

McGuirt, J. T. (2011, November 1). Peer Reviewed: Conducting Community Audits to Evaluate Community Resources for Healthful Lifestyle Behaviors: An Illustration From Rural Eastern North Carolina. PubMed Central (PMC). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3221588/ 

Syed, S. T., Gerber, B. S., & Sharp, L. K. (2013). Traveling Towards Disease: Transportation Barriers to Health Care Access. Journal of Community Health, 38(5), 976–993. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10900-013-9681-1