Nurses homework: Physical environment| Nursing homework help
Observations:
In the physical environment, you can find elements like buildings, streets, parks, and sidewalks. In this subsystem, you can make observations about:
- Buildings: Depending on where you live, the architecture and design can be very different. Some older buildings might need repairs, whereas others could be brand new and maintained. The type of the building, for example, residential, commercial or industrial, is important to know.
- It is possible to find roads or sidewalks in different conditions from one place to the next. Pothole-free roads are not the norm. Some may have a smooth surface and be free from potholes. Others may be badly maintained, making them dangerous to drivers and pedestrians.
- Parks and Public Spaces: Availability and access to parks and other public areas can differ greatly between neighborhoods. Depending on the area, some areas will have many parks and green space while others might not.
Information on demographics
A number of demographic factors, like:
- Infrastructure: Communities that have lower incomes can have a poorer infrastructure and less public resources.
- Racial and ethnicity. Communities of color can be denied access to resources or suffer environmental injustices, such as higher pollution levels.
- Different age groups have different needs when it comes the environment. Children and older adults might need different types of playgrounds, or more public space.
Overall, the physical environment subsystem is a critical component of a community’s overall health and well-being. A thorough assessment will allow healthcare professionals to identify the areas in need of improvement. They can then take steps to correct them and improve residents’ health.