Communicable Disease Selection
Write a paper (2,000-2,500 words) in which you apply the concepts of epidemiology and nursing research to a
communicable disease. Refer to “Communicable Disease Chain,” “Chain of Infection,” and the CDC website
for assistance when completing this assignment.
Communicable Disease Selection
Chickenpox
Tuberculosis
Influenza
Mononucleosis
Hepatitis B
HIV
Ebola
Measles
Polio
Influenza
Epidemiology Paper Requirements
Describe the chosen communicable disease, including causes, symptoms, mode of transmission,
complications, treatment, and the demographic of interest (mortality, morbidity, incidence, and prevalence). Is
this a reportable disease? If so, provide details about reporting time, whom to report to, etc.
Describe the social determinants of health and explain how those factors contribute to the development of this
disease.
Discuss the epidemiologic triangle as it relates to the communicable disease you have selected. Include the
host factors, agent factors (presence or absence), and environmental factors. Are there any special
considerations or notifications for the community, schools, or general population?
Explain the role of the community health nurse (case finding, reporting, data collection, data analysis, and
follow-up) and why demographic data are necessary to the health of the community.
Identify at least one national agency or organization that addresses the communicable disease chosen and
describe how the organizations contribute to resolving or reducing the impact of disease.
Discuss a global implication of the disease. How is this addressed in other countries or cultures? Is this
disease endemic to a particular area? Provide an example
Sample Solution
Communicable Disease Selection
Tuberculosis (TB) is a potentially serious infectious disease that mainly affects your lungs. Tuberculosis is carried in airborne particles, called droplet nuclei, of 1-5 microns in diameter. Infectious droplet nuclei are generated when persons who have pulmonary or laryngeal TB disease cough, sneeze, shout, or sing. TB is spread from person to person through air. Signs and symptoms include: coughing that lasts three or more weeks, coughing up blood, chest pain or pain with breathing or coughing, unintentional weight loss, fever, chills, and loss of appetite. The usual treatment of TB is: 2 antibiotics (isoniazid and rifampicin) for 6 months, and 2 additional antibiotics (pyrazinamide and ethambutol) for the first 2 months of the 6-month treatment period. Tuberculosis mostly affects adults in their productive years. However, all age groups are at risk.
