Public Health Test #1
A measure of health status that attempts to gauge the social impact of various diseases and conditions by adjusting for differences in the age of the population affected is: A. Years of potential life lost B. Crude mortality rate C. Prematurity rate D. Index of leading economic indicators
Answer: A
Based on a quick examination of Internet web sites, which of these organizations is most closely affiliated with local public health agencies across the U.S.? A. NACCHO B. ASTHO C. APHA D. CDC
Answer: A
Compared with a country with a steady population, a country with a rapidly growing population is most likely to have which of the following characteristics: A. A higher proportion of the population less than 15 years old B. A higher age-adjusted mortality rate C. A higher(i.e., longer) population doubling time D. A low migration rate
Answer: A
In the US, the national health promotion and disease prevention agenda is known as: A. Healthy People B. No Child Left Behind C. The Mothers' March D. Red Cross
Answer: A
Key demographic trends that will impact public health and the future need for programs and services include all of the following except: A. Shrinking US population and greater utilization levels of health care services by men than women B. The aging population and the influence of the Baby Boom generation C. Declining younger population and changes in the family unit D. Greater racial and ethnic diversity
Answer: A
More than three-fourths of all US local health departments are organized at this level of government? A. County B. City C. Township D. State
Answer: A
Mortality rates in the US show the following gender differences: A. males greater than females B. females greater than males C. males equal to females D. males equal to females in the first years of life
Answer: A
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) does which of the following? A. Oversees the science of preventive medicine through basic science and applied research B. Conducts research into the treatment of major categories of disease C. Provides funds for the clinical services for the poor, aged, and totally disabled D. Provides services to indigenous populations
Answer: A
The incident command system (ICS) is: A. a tool for managing an organization's emergency response activities, utilizing the principles of command, control and coordination B. a system to assure that one incident at a time is addressed C. a system for establishing the President of the United States as the commander in charge of all disaster operations D. a system to assure that one incident at a time is addressed and a system for establishing the President of the United States as the commander in charge of all disaster operations
Answer: A
The organizational unit in the federal government created in 1939 to bring together health, education, and welfare services. A. Federal Security Agency B. Children's Bureau C. Department of Homeland Security D. Centers for Disease Control
Answer: A
What are Category C biological agents? A. Emerging infectious diseases and drug-resistant organisms B. Noninfectious agents C. Biological agents that pose little or no threat D. Organisms not included in CDC categories.
Answer: A
Which of these essential public health services is a component of the assessment core function? A. diagnosing and investigating health problems and health hazards in the community B. informing, educating, and empowering people about health issues C. developing policies and plans that support individual and community health efforts D. enforcing laws and regulations that protect health and ensure safety
Answer: A
Compared with the situation in the US in 1900, the number of deaths due to infectious diseases is: A. About the same B. Much less C. Much more D. About the same but caused by different pathogens such as HIV
Answer: B
Major eras in the history of the American public health system were characterized by all of the following EXCEPT: A. Intermittent epidemics throughout the 18th and 19th centuries. B. Edwin Chadwick's epidemiological investigations of cholera. C. The development of state and local public health systems into the mid-20th century. D. The movement into the provision of medical care services after about 1950.
Answer: B
Public health actions frequently involve a balancing of individual rights vs. the good of the community. Where that balance is struck is based on: A. Explicit direction from the US Constitution B. Societal values C. Science D. What is right and what is wrong
Answer: B
Public health is concerned with the health of populations. Accordingly, one of the core functions of public health, as described by the Institute of Medicine (1988) is: A. Refining the definition of populations B. To create and advocate for solutions to address, at all levels, the health concerns of populations C. Making certain that health policy legislation always contains the phrase "population health" D. Developing new models for solving all public health problems
Answer: B
Public health systems and services have evolved differently in various parts of the world, as well as in the United States among the various states. Which of the following pairs best identifies the two major forces that have shaped public health activities over time and geography? A. religion and transportation B. science and social values C. epidemics and nationalism D. capitalism and culture
Answer: B
Public health was characterized as fulfilling society's interest in assuring conditions in which people could be healthy by: A. US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Healthy People 2000 B. Institute of Medicine in The Future of Public Health C. C.E.A. Winslow D. Sir Geoffrey Vickers
Answer: B
The "police powers" that public officials rely on to enforce compliance with public health laws and regulations are based on: A. Explicit language in the US Constitution B. Inferences about the government's obligation to protect the health, safety, and welfare of its citizens C. Inferences from the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization (RICO) Act legislation D. Presidential executive orders
Answer: B
The Institute of Medicine identified which level of government as the central force in public health, bearing primary public sector responsibility for the health of the people? A. Federal B. State C. County D. Municipal
Answer: B
The National Institutes of Health does which of the following? A. Oversees the science of preventive medicine through basic science and applied research B. Conducts research into the treatment of major categories of disease C. Provides funds for the clinical services for the poor, aged, and totally disabled D. Evaluates the safety of food and drugs
Answer: B
The inspection of meat delivered from Chicago to New York is the responsibility of: A. New York City Health Department B. U.S. Department of Agriculture C. Food and Drug Administration D. Chicago Department of Public Health
Answer: B
Which of the follow statements best characterize the term public health ethics" A. Motivation based on ideas of right and wrong B. Values that guide actions to promote health and prevent injury and disease in the population C. Principles of conduct governing an individual or profession D. Branch of philosophy dealing with value relating to human conduct with respect to the goodness and badness of the motives and ends of such actions
Answer: B
Which of the following had the greatest impact on average life expectancy in the US between 1900 and 2000? A. Vaccinations for infectious diseases B. Improvements in sanitation and hygiene C. Advances in medical care technology D. Health education
Answer: B
Which of the following is NOT a principle/key component in community organization and community building practice? A. Critical consciousness and empowerment B. Critical allocation of resources and sharing among partners C. Principle or relevance or "start where the people are" D. Principle of participation
Answer: B
Which of the following is not a mortality-based indicator of health status in a population? A. Life expectancy at birth B. Prevalence rate C. Crude mortality rate D. Years of potential life lost before age 65
Answer: B
Which of the following is not considered one of the 3 Ps or most important determinants of health worldwide? A. Population growth B. Personal responsibility C. Pollution D. Poverty
Answer: B
Which of the following is the best source of information on adult and infant mortality? A. Disease registries B. Vital statistics C. Special survey studies D. Hospital care statistics
Answer: B
Which of the following statements is false? A. Cost-utility analyses are similar to cost-effectiveness studies, except that the results are characterized as cost per quality-adjusted life year B. When comprehensively performed, a cost-effectiveness analysis is considered the gold standard of economic evaluations. C. Cost-benefit analysis results are expressed in terms of net costs, net benefits, and time required to recoup an initial investment. D. Cost-effectiveness analyses focus on one outcome to determine the most cost-effective intervention when several options are possible.
Answer: B
Which of these pairs were not included among the so-called "Basic 6" services of public health that characterize public health practice over the first half of the 20th century in the U.S.: A. Communicable disease control and health education B. Primary care and chronic disease prevention C. Sanitation and laboratory services D. Vital statistics and maternal and child health
Answer: B
A direct contributing factor may be defined as: A. Scientifically established factor that relates directly to the level of the health problem B. A community-specific factor that affects the level of contributing factor C. A scientifically established factor the directly affects the level of the determinant D. The differences in health which are not only unnecessary and avoidable but are also considered unfair and unjust
Answer: C
A physician fills out a death certificate as follow: IMMEDIATE CAUSE OF DEATH-pulmonary embolism DUE TO-deep venous thrombosis DUE TO-pancreatic cancer. She notes that a liver biopsy was performed prior to death. In the U.S. vital statistics, this death would be recorded as due to: A. pulmonary embolism B. deep venous thrombosis C. pancreatic cancer D. complication of liver biopsy
Answer: C
An example of collaboration between different levels of government agencies in an emergency/disaster could involve: A. the mayor's office and the city health department B. city fire department and emergency medical services C. Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Governor's Office D. Governor's Office and State Homeland Security Agency
Answer: C
As a society, we endorse the delegation of executive, legislative, and judicial authority to administrative agencies for many reasons, EXCEPT which of these? A. Because the complexity of modern society calls for more regulatory bodies to fulfill government's expanded regulatory roles B. Because of the need to rely upon the technical and professional expertise of agency personnel to carry out the public policy behind the legislation C. Because of the need to lessen the burden on the civil court system D. Because it is not always possible or even wise to include extensive detailed and technical information in a statute
Answer: C
Examples of man-made disasters likely to occur in the U.S. today include: A. flooding and electrical storms B. heat waves and winter storms C. hazardous materials incidents D. bioterrorism attacks
Answer: C
For a local public health agency, effective emergency/disaster response requires mobilization of: A. all employees, for any emergency/disaster B. all senior management level employees and only those usually designated as disaster response team members C. the nature and extent of the emergency/disaster will dictate the level and numbers of employees needed D. all employees plus senior management employees of other agencies who are designated as disaster response team members
Answer: C
In terms of its ranking among the world's nations for mortality rates, the U.S. generally ranks: A. best (i.e., the lowest rate) among all countries B. among the ten countries with the lowest rates C. below (i.e., has a higher rate than) about 25 to 30 other countries D. among the ten countries with the highest rates
Answer: C
In which form of justice are collective actions leading to the assumption of additional burdens often necessary in order to assure the fair distribution of societal benefits? A. Market justice B. Judicial justice C. Social justice D. Individual justice
Answer: C
Resources of the Strategic National Stockpile (formerly known as the National Pharmaceutical Stockpile) are provided to individuals: A. by the American Pharmaceutical Association B. by the local hospital pharmacy C. through the local public health agency when the state's governor has made a request for federal assistance following a biological or chemical attack D. through the local public health agency, for patients whose income falls below 200% of the federal poverty level
Answer: C
The Report on the Sanitary Commission of Massachusetts---perhaps the most outstanding treatise in the history of American public health---was written by: A. John Snow B. Edwin Chadwick C. Lemuel Shattuck D. W.H. Frost
Answer: C
The State Health Officer is usually appointed by the A. US Public Health Service B. state legislature C. governor D. state board of health
Answer: C
The agency that was first created as a Marine Hospital Service in 1789 is: A. UNICEF B. World Health Organization C. United States Public Health Service D. National Institutes of Health
Answer: C
The concept that government is responsible to ensure that standards are met in every community developed with the 1979 revision of the Model Standards and is referred to as: A. primary care B. coordinated delivery C. governmental presence in health D. eminent domain
Answer: C
The list of major obstacles to global public health progress includes all of the following except: A. Population growth and poverty in underdeveloped countries B. Inadequate government organization and financing of health programs C. Climatological differences across the globe D. Maldistribution of resources
Answer: C
The term "Title XVIII" which was signed into law on July 30, 1965, is better known as: A. Medicaid B. Medical Assistance C. Medicare D. CHAMPUS
Answer: C
Two important frameworks for modern public health practice are A. Centers for Disease Control Charter and the US Constitution B. Ten commitments of public health and interstate public health compact C. Ecological model and essential public health services D. NACCO Profile of Local Health Departments and Healthy People 1990
Answer: C
What is the function of law in public health? A. To govern and "police" the individual interests of all citizens B. To enforce coercive interventions aimed at changing individual behaviors C. To create a mission for public health authorities, assign their functions, and specify the manner in which they may exercise authority D. To empower governments to act and set limits on power
Answer: C
Which of the following does not represent an important achievement of public health in twentieth century America? A. fluoridation of drinking water to prevent dental caries B. control of infectious diseases C. prevention of bio-terrorism threats D. decline in deaths from heart disease and stroke
Answer: C
Which of the following is most critical to the success of a Healthy Communities initiative? A. Adequate funding from state and local resources B. Accurate statistics for local health indicators C. Broad representation and involvement of community members D. Continuous quality improvement, benchmarking and outcomes assessment
Answer: C
Which of the following pairs of values are most likely to conflict during a response to a public health emergency? A. Truth-telling versus justice B. Beneficence versus justice C. Individual autonomy versus community welfare D. Community welfare versus truth-telling
Answer: C
Which of the following was in the top five causes of death in both 1900 and 2000? A. tuberculosis B. accidents C. heart disease D. diabetes
Answer: C
Which of these characteristics applies to the greatest number of official state health departments in the United States? A. Lead environmental agency for the state B. Free standing agencies rather than components of larger multi-purpose human services agencies C. Operates state institutions D. Operates the state's Medicaid Program
Answer: C
Which of these federal agencies is not considered part of the US Public Health Service? A. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention B. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality C. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services D. National Institutes of Health
Answer: C
Which of these important public health figures from the 19th century advanced the argument that the factors contributing to fatal diseases should be identified as the official causes of death? A. Edwin Chadwick B. Lemuel Shattuck C. William Farr D. John Snow
Answer: C
Which one of these has the fundamental responsibility to determine the health status and the health needs of the people within its jurisdiction, determine to what extent these needs are being effectively met by effective measures currently available, and take steps to see that the unmet needs are satisfied? A. US Public Health Service B. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention C. State and local health departments D. Public hospitals
Answer: C
As a result of legislation enacted by Congress, this agency was moved out of the US Treasury Department and placed in the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare (now the Department of Health and Human Services). It was first established as the Marine Hospital Service in 1789. A. World Health Organization B. American Public Health Association C. National Foundation---March of Dimes D. US Public Health Service
Answer: D
Based on a quick examination of Internet web sites, which of these federal health agencies places the greatest emphasis on prevention? A. Food and Drug Administration B. Health Resources and Services Administration C. American Public Health Association D. Centers for Disease Control
Answer: D
Government scan influence the health of their citizens by: A. Altering social factors that influence health B. Assuring equity and equality through public programs C. Providing access to services D. All the above
Answer: D
Healthy People 2010 categorizes U.S. health issues according to: A. primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention B. morbidity and disability in regions of the U.S. C. life stages of development and health problems from infants to elderly D. health promotion, protection, and prevention
Answer: D
In 1900, the leading cause of death in the United States was which of the following conditions? A. tuberculosis B. diphtheria C. typhoid fever D. pneumonia and influenza
Answer: D
In 1900, the leading cause of death in the United States was which of the following conditions?" A. tuberculosis B. diphtheria C. typhoid fever D. pneumonia and influenza
Answer: D
Introduction of smallpox vaccination is credited to which of these individuals? A. Virchow B. Pasteur C. Lister D. Jenner
Answer: D
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is responsible for: A. Overseeing the science of preventive services B. Conducting research into the treatment of major categories of disease C. Providing services to indigenous populations D. Evaluating the safety of food and drugs
Answer: D
The World Health Organization (WHO) definition of good human health includes: A. Physical and social well-being B. Mental and physical well-being C. Mental and social well-being D. Physical, mental, and social well-being
Answer: D
The best single predictor of poor health in a community is: A. Poor sanitary conditions B. Lack of medical care C. Genetics D. Poverty
Answer: D
The initial emergency response to bioterrorism events and threats at the local level includes all of the following partners except: A. Police B. Fire C. EMS D. National guard
Answer: D
The major strategy used by the federal government in the U.S. after about 1935 to influence the health policies and services of states and local governments was: A. appointment of state and local health commissioners B. development of unified national policy through federal legislation C. establishment of direct federal health service systems D. grants-in-aid
Answer: D
The proper communication role for most employees of a public health agency during an emergency or disaster situation is to: A. communicate freely and candidly with the media B. provide neutral, brief, and accurate information to the media C. provide no information to the media D. follow the protocol for communicating with the media established by your agency's public information office
Answer: D
What is/are the role(s) of a state or local Office of Emergency Management (generic term) in health related emergencies? A. providing leadership during an emergency B. coordinating all other agencies C. providing emergency supplies and equipment D. all options listed here
Answer: D
Which of the following emergencies/disasters can have significant public health impacts? A. Earthquakes B. Acts of bioterrorism C. Tornados D. All options listed here
Answer: D
Which of the following health measures has the greatest potential for prevention of disease in the U.S.? A. Environmental modification B. Genetic counseling C. Immunization D. Modification of personal health behavior
Answer: D
Which of the following statements characterizes an important difference between public health and most other professions? A. Education and training beyond the undergraduate (college) level is not available for public health. B. Large professional organizations are not available for public health. C. Public health professionals work only in the public sector. D. Although they come from many professions and disciplines, their common bond is not one of a shared body of knowledge or academic preparation, but a commitment to the goals of the improved population health.
Answer: D
Which of these essential public health services is not a component of the policy development core function? A. informing, educating, and empowering people about health issues B. mobilizing community partnerships to identify and solve health problems C. developing policies and plans that support individual and community health efforts D. enforcing laws and regulations that protect health and ensure safety
Answer: D
Which two lifestyle factors have been reported to be the most important causes of preventable mortality in the U.S.? A. alcohol and obesity B. substance abuse and sexual activity C. stress and high blood pressure D. tobacco and diet/physical activity
Answer: D
All of the following are minimum functions of a state health department as defined by the American Public Health Association EXCEPT: A. Study of state health problems and planning for their solution B. Coordination and technical supervision of local health activities C. Financial aid to local health departments D. Enactment of sanitary regulations applicable in local health departments E. Establishment of maximum standards for local health work
Answer: E
(T OR F) Most local health departments in the U.S. have more than 100 full time employees.
False
(T OR F) The Cholera epidemic of the 1854 afflicted poverty stricken individuals more than affluent individuals.
False
(T OR F) The Public Health Code of Ethics is an exhaustive set of health principles that should be held by people in the public health discipline
False
(T OR F) More than one-half of local health departments in the U.S. serve populations of 50,000 or less.
True
Describe the community health assessment process and its importance.
Community health assessment is a fundamental tool of public health practice. Its aim is to describe the health of the community, by presenting information on health status, community health needs, resources, and epidemiologic and other studies of current local health problems. It seeks to identify target populations that may be at increased risk of poor health outcomes and to gain a better understanding of their needs, as well as assess the larger community environment and how it relates to the health of individuals. It also identifies those areas where better information is needed, especially information on health disparities among different subpopulations, quality of health care, and the occurrence and severity of disabilities in the population.
