What is the primary goal of community health nursing?

• A. To support and supplement the efforts of the medical profession in the promotion of health and prevention of illness
• B. To enhance the capacity of individuals, families and communities to cope with their health needs
• C. To increase the productivity of the people by providing them with services that will increase their level of health
• D. To contribute to national development through promotion of family welfare, focusing particularly on mothers and children.

Answer: (B)

The main concept tested is empowering communities by building their capacity to manage health needs. The best choice states that the goal is to enhance the capacity of individuals, families, and communities to cope with their health needs. This captures how community health nursing works in real life: it isn’t just delivering care, but helping people identify priorities, access resources, learn self-care, and participate in shaping health outcomes. A community health nurse assesses needs, provides education, facilitates preventive services, supports chronic disease management, and partners with local groups to create sustainable health improvements, strengthening the community's ability to respond on its own.

Other statements miss the broader aim. While CHN involves supporting medical services and can promote health, its core is empowerment and capacity-building rather than simply supplementing clinicians. Linking health services to productivity is a downstream effect but not the primary purpose. Focusing mainly on mothers and children is important but too narrow; CHN addresses health for all ages and conditions within the community.