Public Health Nursing Practice Exam

In which domain would a health educator be operating if attempting to change a client's feelings about smoking?

1. Cognitive

2. Affective

3. Psychomotor

4. Behavioral

The correct answer is: Affective

The correct response indicates that a health educator would be operating in the affective domain when attempting to change a client's feelings about smoking. The affective domain pertains to emotions, attitudes, values, and feelings. When a health educator focuses on altering a client’s feelings about smoking, they are directly addressing the emotional responses or attitudes the client holds toward that behavior. For instance, by helping the client understand the health risks associated with smoking or discussing the emotional benefits of quitting, the educator is engaging the client in a way that seeks to shift their emotional stance. This might involve exploring feelings of social acceptance, personal identity, or the perceived benefits of not smoking. In contrast, the cognitive domain relates primarily to the intellectual understanding of information, such as knowledge about the risks of smoking or the mechanics of quitting. The psychomotor domain involves physical skills or actions, such as using a nicotine patch or engaging in a quit plan that requires physical execution. The behavioral aspect refers to changes in observable actions or habits. However, in this specific scenario focused on changing feelings, it becomes clear that the affective domain is the most fitting context for the health educator’s efforts.