Question

Using one of the four major ethical concepts (beneficence, nonmaleficence, autonomy or justice) discuss the community nurses' role in the prevention of a communicable disease (be specific). Use the CDC website as one of your outside sources.

Answer 1

Beneficence- Nurses have an obligation to bring about good in all our actions. Do not harm.

One of the role of the public health nurse in prevention of communicable diseases is educator. They educate individuals, family, community and stakeholders about healthy behaviors, environment and policies that make the healthy choice. As prevention is the primary goal of communicable diseases the community health nurse teach about infection source and how to manage it in case of outbreak of diseases. For example food borne illnesses may be prevented by training cooks and food service personnel to properly store, prepare and serve food. Community health nurses regularly interact with vulnerable populations may be taught best practices for disease prevention. By doing they are bringing good to the community (principle of beneficence).