Windshield Survey Reflection

Windshield Survey Reflection

Nur/405

April 30, 2012

The following is a reflection of the windshield survey based on the assessments and observations of the online virtual neighborhood. Three community nursing diagnosis appropriate for the neighborhood community include: a risk for ineffective breathing patterns among the population with asthma and lung disease related to the current forest fire. Increased risk for obesity among school aged children related to altered nutrition of more than body requires and excessive intake. Risk for altered health maintenance among the children in the community related to the low immunization rates. Community partnerships mentioned are used in New York and can be adapted for the virtual neighborhood community.

During my observation of the community a forest fire was burning. This creates an environment hazardous to the population already coping with asthma and chronic lung disease. The air quality polluted by the smoke from the forest fire can cause an acute episode of attacks on the respiratory system. Nursing interventions would be to monitor the respiratory and oxygen status of this population. Assisting with early interventions with the proper use of inhalers and nebulizers will prevent the risk of a hospitalization. This would also be a good opportunity for the nurse to promote the benefits of smoking cessation in the population of citizens who continue to smoke despite her diagnosis of a pulmonary illness, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or emphysema. A community partnership available for this purpose is the tobacco control plan appropriately named Leading the Way toward a Tobacco Free Society 2010-2013 (Tobacco, 2011). Educating the community about the detrimental diseases directly caused by smoking through graphic television and billboard ads will raise awareness to the dangers of smoking.

An observation made during the windshield survey is the unhealthy food choices available to the school children. The increased risk for obesity among school aged children related to altered nutrition of more than bodily requirements and excessive intake is another diagnosis appropriate for this community. There is a lack of healthy, low calorie, nutritious snack items available for purchase. A Healthy People 2020 indicator is to reduce the proportion of children and adolescents considered obese. Providing appropriate information about nutritional needs of children and adolescents and how to meet them is one nursing intervention that addresses this issue. The materials would be informative with an emphasis on healthy food choices and how healthy eating promotes good health for a lifetime. Programs encouraging children to engage in physical activities will have an impact on decreasing risk for obesity. A