What primary prevention strategy should a nurse employ to reduce obesity among children?

The primary prevention strategy aimed at reducing obesity among children should focus on direct interventions that promote healthy habits from an early age. Educating children at a day care center about nutrition and exercise not only informs them about making healthier food choices and the importance of physical activity but also instills these values at a formative stage in their lives. This strategy empowers children to develop habits that can lead to healthier lifestyles, which is essential for preventing obesity.

Understanding the context of the other options provides clarity on why they are less suitable for this particular goal. While measuring the BMI of older adults or encouraging enrollment in weight-reduction programs can be valuable strategies, they do not directly target children or focus on prevention in a proactive manner. Distributing health risk appraisal questionnaires may help identify at-risk individuals but does not serve as a direct prevention strategy for children. Hence, the correct approach emphasizes proactive education among young children about nutrition and exercise, laying the foundation for lifelong healthy habits.