Following are the elements of primary health care, except?

RUHS, Jaipur, M.Sc Nursing Entrance Exam-2018

Community Health Nursing

Medium

Appeared in: RUHS, Jaipur, M.Sc Nursing Entrance Exam-2018

Explanation

'Cost effectiveness' as it is not one of the eight essential elements or four core principles of Primary Health Care (PHC) defined by the Alma-Ata Declaration.
While PHC aims to be affordable, 'cost effectiveness' is a general economic goal, not a named component of the framework.
The principle of 'Appropriate Technology' implies using solutions that are affordable and sustainable, which relates to cost-effectiveness, but it is not a standalone element.

Option A: This is incorrect because 'Health education concerning prevailing health problems and the methods of preventing and controlling them' is the first essential element of PHC.
Option B: This is incorrect because 'Intersectoral coordination' is one of the four core principles of PHC. Although it's a principle and not an element, it is a fundamental part of the PHC framework.
Option D: This is incorrect because 'Provision of essential drugs' is the eighth essential element of PHC.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Knowing Elements and Principles of Primary Health Care (PHC) helps nurses interpret findings accurately and avoid errors in routine assessment, medication administration, and patient teaching.
Understanding the elements and principles of PHC is crucial for community health nurses to plan and implement comprehensive health programs that address the community's needs holistically.
Nurses use the principle of 'Intersectoral Coordination' by collaborating with schools, local government, and sanitation departments to improve community health outcomes.
The principle of 'Community Participation' guides nurses to involve community members (like ASHA workers) in health planning, ensuring that interventions are culturally acceptable and sustainable.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the keywords in the question: 'elements of primary health care' and the negative keyword 'except'. This means you need to find the option that is NOT an element.
Recall the framework of Primary Health Care (PHC). Remember that it consists of both 'elements' (the services) and 'principles' (the approach).
Systematically evaluate each option against the known lists of elements and principles.
Option A ('Health education') and D ('Provision of essential drugs') are clearly listed as elements.
Option B ('Intersectoral coordination') is a principle, not an element. This is a potential distractor.
Option C ('Cost effectiveness') is not listed as either an element or a principle. It's a related concept but not a formal component.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Elements and Principles of Primary Health Care (PHC)
Stem keywords: elements, primary health care
Lead-in keywords: except
Negative lead-in flag: The question uses the word 'except', asking to identify the option that does not belong.

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