To assess the goals of a community, a community nurse should ask what type of question?

• A. How many people live here?
• B. What resources does the community have?
• C. What is the purpose of the community?
• D. What is the community's population density?

Answer: (C)

Asking about the purpose of the community is crucial for a community nurse to assess the goals effectively. This question focuses on understanding the shared values, aspirations, and objectives that unify the residents and guide their collective actions. By uncovering the community's core purpose, the nurse can identify what the community seeks to achieve, whether it is improving health outcomes, enhancing social cohesion, or addressing specific local issues.

In contrast, questions related to the population size, resources, or population density provide background information but do not directly address the community's goals or intentions. While knowing how many people live in the area or what resources are available is important for context, it does not give insight into the motivations and aspirations that drive the community. Therefore, understanding the purpose strikes at the heart of identifying and meeting the community's needs.