Community Health Test 2 (Ch. 9, 11, 14, 15, 19, 20, & 26)

A child came to school coughing almost constantly. The next day, six other children in the same school room were coughing. Which of the following types of outbreak would the nurse suspect? a. Common source b. Mixed c. Propagated d. Intermittent

ANS: A A common source outbreak refers to a group exposed to a common noxious influence, in this case, the ill child who was attending school. The cause of the illness being spread is obvious.

Statistics clearly demonstrate that there are significantly more cases of a disease in one particular neighborhood than in all the rest of the city. Assuming all else is the same, which of the following is the most likely explanation for a single neighborhood having such a different pattern of illness? a. A cultural or ethnic concentration in the neighborhood b. The geographical location of the neighborhood within the city c. A statistical fluke without meaning d. The time of year the different statistics were collected throughout the city

ANS: A Although any explanation is possible, the most probable reason is that there is a cultural or ethnic concentration in that particular neighborhood that has a different lifestyle pattern, resulting in different health outcomes.

A nurse is attempting to minimize damage following a bioterrorism attack in the community. Which of the following would be the most crucial aspect for the nurse to consider? a. Detecting an increase in people with similar signs and symptoms b. Identifying typical chemical or biological agents c. Identifying factors that put people at risk d. Recognizing areas of vulnerability within an area

ANS: A An unannounced dissemination of a biological agent may easily go unnoticed, and the victims may have left the area of exposure long before the act of terrorism is recognized. Therefore, the first and most important aspect is recognizing that an outbreak has occurred by noting the increase in people presenting with similar signs and symptoms. The next step is striving to identify the biological or chemical agent.

Two women seem to agree on almost everything from favorite music to favorite media stars to the best way to prepare a meal. Which of the following best explains this similarity in the two women? a. They are both members of the same birth cohort. b. They are close friends. c. They attended the same school. d. They both go the same church.

ANS: A Being close friends is probably the result of the similarity rather than the cause. However, being born at about the same time would mean both women have lived through similar social events and media occurrences and therefore would have much in common. Going to the same school or the same church, depending on the size of the institutions, might not result in any personal interaction whatsoever.

A nurse is working with a community during the preparedness stage of disaster management. Which of the following events would the nurse anticipate occurring? a. Heightened inspection and increased security in the community b. Incorporation of provision of pets into local disaster plans c. Purchase of personal protective equipment for all citizens d. Assembly of disaster kits for the home, workplace, and car

ANS: A Disaster kit assembly for the home, workplace, and car, especially by nurses, occurs during the preparedness phase. The other answers are false or describe the other stages.

When does disaster management begin? a. Before the disaster occurs b. During the disaster c. Immediately following the disaster d. During the recovery period

ANS: A Disaster management includes the four stages of a disaster: prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery. The first stage of prevention (or mitigation) occurs before the disaster occurs.

A nurse noted that of 18 children in a day care center room, 5 became ill. Which of the following best describes a host factor that may be associated with this illness and who became ill? a. Some of the children were from very low socioeconomic families. b. Some of the children slept during rest time while others only rested. c. The bacterial cause of the illness was easily removed by hand washing. d. The day care center room was much warmer on three sides in comparison to the side with the floor to ceiling windows.

ANS: A Factors that must be considered as causes of outbreak are categorized as agents, hosts, and environmental factors. Host factors may be age, sex, race, socioeconomic status, genetics, and lifestyle choices. The cause of the illness is an agent factor, and the difference in temperature in the room is an environmental factor.

A nurse is appraising health risks. Which of the following questions would most likely be asked by the nurse? a. "Does your 4 year-old have a booster seat in the car?" b. "Have you noticed any physical problems as you go about your daily routine?" c. "What concerns do you have today? d. "Why did you decide to come in for a checkup?"

ANS: A Health risk appraisal refers to the process of assessing for the presence of specific factors in each of the categories that have been identified as being associated with an increased likelihood of an illness, such as cancer, or an unhealthy event, such as an automobile accident.

A nurse established an ongoing group meeting of teenagers with diabetes. In the early stages, the nurse was very directive in arranging location, providing low-carbohydrate drinks and snacks, steering the discussion, and trying to meet all the teenagers' needs. After the group had been meeting for about 3 months, the nurse noticed that the group members no longer simply accepted everything the nurse suggested. Instead, the teenagers began making decisions themselves, and eventually, the nurse no longer controlled the group. Which of the following most likely happened to cause this shift? a. The group became cohesive enough to share leadership tasks. b. Teenagers don't like feeling dependent on adults with power. c. Teenagers often rebel against adult authority. d. The nurse was overwhelmed and lost control of task process.

ANS: A In the beginning, the nurse used an authoritarian style because the nurse was responsible for the group direction. However, as the group matured, continuing an authoritarian style would have resulted in low morale and lack of cohesion. After a group is well established, nurses may best facilitate leadership by relinquishing central control and encouraging group members themselves to determine the norms for their group.

A nurse, after working two weeks at the site of the largest natural disaster to hit the United States, returns home. Which of the following behaviors would suggest the nurse needs professional assistance? a. The nurse becomes angry when family members quit listening to her ongoing stories about the disaster and the problems there. b. The nurse gives a presentation at the local college about the disaster and describes how health professionals were able to assist the victims who were injured. c. The nurse is moody and feels family demands are not really as important as the other members of her family think they are. d. The nurse is very exhausted and asks to have 3 personal days off from employment responsibilities.

ANS: A It is understandable that the nurse would return exhausted and moody. Indeed, concerns of major importance to family members may seem trivial when compared with problems the disaster victims were confronting. However, the fact that the nurse needs to continue to ventilate about the disaster, even after the family has quit listening, would suggest a delayed stress reaction that is not resolving and therefore warrants professional intervention.

A nurse is focused on mitigation of disasters at the international level. Which of the following activities would the nurse most likely complete? a. Provide community educational programs and training on how to prepare for disasters. b. Request donations be sent to the affected area. c. Develop a notification procedure to be used by the international disaster relief office. d. Recruit volunteers to be a part of the disaster team that will travel to the afflicted area.

ANS: A Mitigation refers to actions to prevent specific disasters from occurring or to reduce the severity of a disaster's effects if it cannot be avoided. Providing community educational programs on disaster preparedness is the only intervention that addresses mitigation.

Which of the following levels of prevention is being used by a nurse who is helping to develop a community-wide disaster management plan? a. Primary prevention b. Secondary prevention c. Tertiary prevention d. All prevention levels

ANS: A Primary prevention takes place before a condition occurs. Primary prevention occurs when one participates in developing a disaster management plan for the community.

Which of the following statements regarding the Health Belief Model is accurate? a. Cues to action are an important component of the model. b. Multiple methods of education should be used when implementing this model. c. The first stage experienced in this model is the pre-contemplation stage. d. To successfully implement this model, ongoing maintenance of the behavior must be considered.

ANS: A The Health Belief Model includes six components that attempt to answer the question of what motivates an individual to do something. These components are perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, perceived benefits, perceived barriers, cues to action, and self-efficacy. The pre-contemplation stage is part of the Transtheoretical Model. Maintenance is part of the Precaution Adoption Process Model.

The administration at a local medical center examines the trends in health problems when developing long-range plans for staffing and space allocation. Which of the following sources of information would be most helpful? a. Local data drawn from a professional survey in the city b. The National Health Interview Survey c. The National Hospital Discharge Survey d. The state's vital statistics

ANS: A The National Health Interview Survey and the National Hospital Discharge Survey both provide information on the health status and behaviors of the national population. For many studies, however, the only way to obtain the needed information is to collect the required data in a study specifically designed to investigate a particular question.

A nurse is examining all of the various factors which can lead to disease. Which of the following models would the nurse most likely use? a. Epidemiologic triangle b. Health promotion c. Levels of prevention d. Natural history of disease

ANS: A The epidemiologic triangle categorizes factors as agent, host, or environment. The model encourages the health care provider to examine all the influences that lead to increased risk. Levels of prevention are actions taken to improve health outcomes. Health promotion addresses health improvement, not the risk for disease.

A nurse is working with a family member to reduce his health risk. Which of the following recommendations would most likely be made by the nurse? a. "Be sure to take a 30-minute walk each day." b. "Call our office if you have any questions or concerns at all." c. "Come back in 2 weeks for follow-up on your surgery." d. "Continue to take the drug until it is gone, even if you're feeling better earlier."

ANS: A The factors that determine or influence whether disease or other unhealthy results occur are called health risks. The major categories of risk include inherited biological risk, social and physical environmental risk, and behavioral risk. All the other options are treatment oriented rather than risk avoidance. Exercising for 30 minutes a day reduces the risk for many diseases.

A nurse has completed health risk appraisals with several different families. Which of the following families would be of most concern to the nurse? a. An older couple who has just retired and sold their house, who talk about their new condo in a retirement community. b. Newlyweds who have been saving their money, who want to discuss birth control and family planning in preparation for future pregnancies. c. Parents who come with their child for his pre-kindergarten physical exam and want to be sure all the child's immunizations are up to date. d. A woman who is very pleased with her new position at the hospital and wants to have her pre-employment exam and drug screen.

ANS: A Transitions (movement from one stage or condition to another) are times of potential risk for families. Age-related or life-event risks often occur during transitions from one developmental stage to another. Transitions present new situations and demands for families. Moving from the family home to a smaller condo represents a major change in lifestyle. None of the other options represent major transitions. If the event is normative, or anticipated, it is possible for families to prepare for the event and its consequences.

In January, a nurse is listening to colleagues talk about the increase in depressed patients asking for help from their physicians recently. The incidence of complaints of depression was higher in the last month than in the previous 3 months. Based on this data, which of the following would be the next step for the nurse to take? a. No further action is necessary because depression is known to worsen during the shorter darker days of winter. b. No further action is necessary because this short-term increase may just be a statistical error or even just a mistaken impression by the involved nurses. c. Action should be taken because there must be some cause for this noted increase. d. Action should be taken because this increase may the beginning of an epidemic and should be investigated.

ANS: A Typically, any unusual increase in incidence should be investigated. But in the majority of cases the increased incidence occurs naturally and/or is predictable when compared with the consistent patterns of previous outbreaks. Many illnesses are seasonal. Seasonal affective disorder (depression) often worsens during the shorter periods of daylight in the winter.

When evaluating an educational program, the nurse discovers that only 25% of community members met the learning objectives. Which of the following parts of the program should be improved? a. Educator b. Content c. Learners d. Objectives

ANS: A Ultimately, the educator is responsible for the success or failure of the educational process and the development of learner knowledge, skills, and abilities. The educator determines how content can be tailored to the learner. The educator determines the objectives. If evaluation reveals that the learning objectives are not being met, the nurse must determine why the instruction is not effective. The educator is responsible for presenting the material creatively and meaningfully in new ways to increase learner retention and ability to apply the new knowledge.

A group of teenagers with diabetes become upset and angry because they cannot agree on whether or not to have meetings during summer vacation. Which of the following should the nurse do to be effective in helping the teenagers resolve the conflict? a. Admit that it is difficult for everyone to agree on everything; then ask whether the group can try to decide how to agree on the issue. b. Assume adult authority and announce that meetings will be suspended until fall. c. Recognize that most of the teenagers want to have the meetings, but two are being stubborn; ask the two deviant members to leave the group. d. Suggest that the group avoid discussing it further but rather think about it over the next week and try to discuss the situation more rationally next week.

ANS: A When you respond to conflict by avoiding (suggesting that they avoid further discussion), forcing with power (assuming adult authority), capitulating, or excluding some members (asking the deviant members to leave), the behavior fails to satisfy the concerns of those involved. Open communication and recognition that conflict is inevitable may allow the group to focus on a procedure for fairly resolving the conflict.

Which of the following characteristics must a learner possess to successfully master psychomotor learning? (Select all that apply.) a. The necessary ability to perform the skill b. An open mind to learning the new skill c. A sensory image of how to perform the skill d. Opportunities to practice the skill

ANS: A, C, D Psychomotor learning is dependent on the learners meeting the following three conditions: having the necessary ability including both cognitive and psychomotor ability, having a sensory image of how to carry out the skill, having opportunities to practice the new skill.

A patient tells a nurse, "I know all about this already. I read about it on the Internet." The patient then summarizes what he has learned. Because some of this information seems incorrect, what questions would be effective for the nurse to ask? (Select all that apply.) a. Were you able find what you wanted easily on the website? b. Did the website say when the information was updated? c. Did the website state who was responsible for the information? d. Did you enjoy reading the material on the website?

ANS: A, B, C To assess the quality of information, the nurse should attempt to find information about the authors, the purpose of the site (to share information or sell a product?), any available editorial reviews, the date of the material, the design of the site (easy to navigate? well organized?), etc.

A nurse has been making ongoing visits to a preschool to help the staff teach the children important skills, such as brushing their teeth after meals. Now the nurse is scheduled to teach carbohydrate counting to adults newly diagnosed with diabetes. Which of the following actions will the nurse need to take when teaching this population? (Select all that apply.) a. Appeal to the need for autonomy and choice. b. Emphasize that anyone with diabetes must know this information. c. Explain how to cope with being a guest at a dinner. d. Recognize that this audience will depend on the instructor to set goals for learning.

ANS: A, C For this audience, the best approach will be to use adult experiences and practical problems as learning motivators—for instance, appealing to adults' sense of autonomy and choice, basing examples on practical adult situations such as cooking meals or eating in restaurants, and discussing how clients can cope with possibly awkward situations such as being a guest at dinner but having diet restrictions.

Which of the following explains why contagious infections are becoming a central focus of public health? (Select all that apply.) a. Americans are fearful of terrorists using biological agents. b. Awareness of human susceptibility to animal diseases has been publicized. c. Drug-resistant strains of "old" diseases have evolved. d. Media coverage exaggerates the dangers of exposure to crowds.

ANS: A, C New infectious diseases and new forms of old diseases, such as drug-resistant strains of TB, have emphasized the dangers of infectious diseases. Potential threats from terrorist use of infectious agents have also emphasized infectious diseases.

A nurse believes a new mouth care procedure (MCP) is causing more mouth problems than it is helping to avoid. Which of the following must be present for the nurse to go to administration with confidence that the new mouth care procedure (MCP) is causing problems? (Select all that apply.) a. A plausible explanation of how the new MCP could cause harm b. A strong feeling that the MCP is the cause c. Consistently seeing mouth inflammation in many of the patients who have received the MCP d. Documentation from patient records that mouth inflammation in clients did not occur until after the new procedure was implemented

ANS: A, C, D Strength of association is suggested by the fact that patients who did not receive the MCP and patients seen on the floor before the new MCP did not have problems, whereas patients who received the new MCP are having problems. Seeing the problems in many of the patients suggests a consistency. The fact that those who had the procedure more often have worse problems suggests a dose-response relationship. A plausible explanation of how the new procedure could cause harm enhances the biological risk. Feelings alone are not convincing. A study should be set up to confirm or dispute the nurse's hypothesis. Although one would hope that previous testing would have been done before the product was released to market, the product could be safe for healthy persons but a risky process for those with compromised immunity or those who are under stress.

Which of the following best defines a disaster? a. Any event that results in multiple deaths b. Devastation that cannot be relieved without assistance c. Devastation that covers a broad geographical area d. When the event results in multiple injuries and deaths as well as property damage

ANS: B A disaster is any human-made or natural event that causes destruction and devastation that cannot be relieved without assistance.

The nurse gives a very informative and engaging presentation and then gives everyone in the audience a handout that outlines the presentation. Later, the nurse discovers that many of the handouts were thrown away before the audience left the building. Which of the following educational principles has the nurse forgotten? a. Audiences expect PowerPoint or video presentations, not lectures. b. Many Americans do not have a high reading level. c. People want photographs and images, not wordy outlines. d. The nurse gave them too much information too fast for them to want to cope with it all.

ANS: B Although visual images are certainly helpful, this does not explain why the handouts were discarded. Most health information is printed at a tenth-grade reading level—yet the average U.S. adult reads at the eighth-grade level and 40% of adults over age 65 read below the fifth-grade level. If people cannot read or understand the material, they discard it.

A nurse planned a presentation about the latest trends in disaster planning for the senior nursing students at the local college. However, when the nurse began to share the information, the students were talking to one another and essentially ignoring the nurse. Which of the following actions should be taken by the nurse? a. Ask the students why they are being so rude. b. Explain why the information is crucial to their current clinical practice. c. Nothing; let the instructor of the course handle the problem. d. Tell a joke to get the students' attention.

ANS: B Before learning can take place, you need to gain the learner's attention. One way to do this is by convincing the learner that the information about to be presented is important and beneficial to them personally.

Which of the following best describes countries that bear the greatest burden of disasters? a. Arid regions that are prone to drought b. Developing countries with limited resources c. Industrialized countries with much to lose d. Water-boundary regions that are prone to floods and hurricanes

ANS: B Disasters create the most devastation in developing countries, where the death rate is up to 12 times higher than in developed countries. The people of low socioeconomic status suffer the most because their houses are less sturdy and they have fewer resources and less means of social security.

A community is experiencing the Honeymoon phase following a disaster. Which of the following is most likely to occur in the community? a. First responders work tirelessly to save others b. Survivors share their stories c. Medical personnel experience exhaustion d. Community organizations rebuild the community

ANS: B During the Honeymoon phase, survivors rejoice for their survival and may share their experiences and stories. First responders work tirelessly to save others during the Heroic Phase. Medical personnel experience exhaustion during the Disillusionment Phase. The community begins to rebuild during the Reconstruction Phase.

A nurse is employed as a nurse epidemiologist. Which of the following activities would most likely be completed by the nurse? a. Eliciting the health history of a client presenting with an illness b. Evaluating the number of clients presenting with similar diseases c. Performing a physical examination of an ill client d. Providing treatment and health education to a client with a disease

ANS: B Epidemiology differs from clinical medicine, which focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of disease in individuals. Epidemiology monitors the health of the population.

A nurse is using analytic epidemiology when conducting a research project. Which of the following projects is the nurse most likely completing? a. Reviewing communicable disease statistics b. Determining factors contributing to childhood obesity c. Analyzing locations where family violence is increasing d. Documenting population characteristics for healthy older citizens

ANS: B Epidemiology refers not only to infectious epidemics but also to other health-related events. Analytic epidemiology looks at the etiology (origins or causes) of disease.

Which of the following best describes the use of genomic health care? a. Assists with understanding family relationships b. Assists with determining familial health risks c. Useful in learning about environmental risk factors d. Useful in detecting risk for developing cancer

ANS: B Genomic health care can give health care providers the tools that they need to use a person's unique genomic information to design and prescribe the most effective treatment for each person and to help clients and families understand some of their health risks that are influenced by their genetic make-up. When nurses obtain a family history and learn about the illnesses and causes of death of biologically related family members, they can then learn about shared genes, environment and lifestyle behaviors that can increase a person's risks for the same diseases that other family members experienced. Genomic health care is broader than detecting risk for developing cancer.

The nursing staff has attempted to screen the entire African-American population in the community for diabetes. Which of the following would provide immediate verification of the success of the nursing staff's efforts? a. An epidemic of diabetes will be recognized. b. The incidence of diabetes will increase in the community. c. The prevalence of diabetes will decrease in the community. d. The risk for diabetes in the community will increase.

ANS: B If the screening has been successful, more diabetes will be diagnosed and, hopefully, treated. Thus, the incidence of new cases will increase. Overall, prevalence will also increase, but that is not one of the answer options.

In a particular community, several high school students were diagnosed with diabetes mellitus Type 2 during the annual high school health fair. Over the next few years, the nursing staff developed and implemented educational programs about the risk factors for diabetes mellitus Type 2 and proper nutrition. Which of the following would be most useful for the nurses to use to determine if they are having any impact? a. The epidemic of diabetes in the high school is gradually ending. b. The incidence of diabetes is slowly decreasing during screening events. c. The prevalence of diabetes is slowly decreasing during screening events. d. The risk for diabetes is slowly increasing over time.

ANS: B Incidence rates and incidence proportions are the measure of choice to study etiology because incidence is affected only by factors related to the risk of developing disease and not to survival or cure. Prevalence is a fairly stable number over time, but incidence reacts more quickly to changes in risk factors or intervention programs. If the educational programs are having the desired impact, the incidence of diabetes being diagnosed will decrease in future screenings.

Which of the following statistics is used by countries to compare the success of their health care systems? a. Attack rate b. Infant mortality rate c. Cause-specific morbidity rate d. Cause-specific mortality rate

ANS: B Infant mortality is used around the world as an indicator of overall health and availability of health care services.

Which of the following types of surveillance is being used when case reports are routinely sent to local health departments by health care providers and laboratories, where the data are then summarized and forwarded to those responsible for monitoring such reports? a. Active surveillance b. Passive surveillance c. Sentinel surveillance d. Special surveillance

ANS: B It is passive surveillance when case reports are sent to local health departments by health care providers or laboratories. The case reports are summarized and forwarded to the state health department, national government, or organizations responsible for monitoring the problem, such as the CDC. In active surveillance, the health department nurse may begin a search for cases through contacts to determine the magnitude of the problem. Sentinel surveillance involves looking for trends. Special surveillance is developed when a particular type of data is sought.

A nurse is using the technique of motivational interviewing when working with a client. Which of the following statements by the client indicates the client is ready to make the change? a. "I should change." b. "I am willing to change." c. "It's important to change." d. "I want to change."

ANS: B Motivational interviewing uses the term "change talk" to refer to statements by the client that he or she is motivated and willing to make change. An easy to use mnemonic is "DARN-CAT" which refers to desire, ability, reason, need, activation, commitment, and taking steps. "I am willing to change" demonstrates activation, a client who is ready, prepared, and willing to make the change. The other statements refer to the client who is preparing to make the change, but not yet ready to implement the change.

Which of the following actions by Florence Nightingale demonstrates her role as an epidemiologist? a. She convinced other women to join her in giving nursing care to all the soldiers. b. She demonstrated that a safer environment resulted in decreased mortality rate. c. She obtained safe water and better food supplies and fought the lice and rats. d. She met with each soldier each evening to say goodnight, thereby giving psychological support.

ANS: B Nightingale examined the relationship between the environment and the recovery of the soldiers. Using simple epidemiological measures, she was able to show that improving environmental conditions and adding nursing care decreased the mortality rates of the soldiers. Nightingale used statistics to document decreased mortality rates when the environmental factors were improved.

A nurse attends a conference to learn more about public health surveillance. Why is it so important that the nurse be knowledgeable about this topic? a. Because nurses are employed in public health agencies b. Because nurses are often the first to recognize and respond to a problem c. Because nurses are responsible for ensuring that action is taken when necessary d. Because nurses are typically the ones to interact with the public and the media

ANS: B Nurses are often in the forefront of responses to be made in the surveillance process whether working in a small rural agency or a large urban agency; within the health department, school, or urgent care center; or on the telephone performing triage services during a disaster. It is the nurse who sees the event first.

A nurse was preparing for a home visit to a family where the mother had just been discharged from trauma care after being hit by a drunk driver. The nurse hoped the family was able to care for her. Which of the following comments from the husband would suggest an energized family? a. "I make most of the decisions so the kids don't notice much difference." b. "My daughter is pretty independent; she's active in both sports and theater." c. "My son is old enough to get a job and help pay all these medical bills." d. "My wife taught our daughter how to cook simple meals."

ANS: B Pratt proposed the energized family as being an ideal family type that was most effective in meeting health needs. The energized family is characterized by active contact with a variety of groups and organizations (Boy Scouts, church, sports, theater), flexible role relationships (not if only the daughter is taught how to cook and only the son is expected to get a job), equal power structure (not if the husband makes all the decisions), and a high degree of autonomy by each member (kids know how to be flexible, because parents travel for business frequently).

On the second day after a disaster, a male colleague tells the nurse he has a splitting headache. The nurse notes the colleague is feeling irritable and having difficulty focusing. Which of the following actions should the nurse take in response to the complaint of headache? a. Explain that the headache and problems focusing are probably the result of worry, so he should concentrate on the work at hand and deal with emotions later. b. Explain that he is experiencing signs and symptoms of psychological stress and recommend that he take some time off for a break. c. Explain to the worker that this is a common problem when multitasking under pressure and suggest that he focus on one task at a time. d. Suspect dehydration and encourage the worker to drink more fluids.

ANS: B Symptoms of early stress and burnout include minor tremors, nausea, inability to concentrate, difficulty thinking, and problems with memory. Suppressing feelings of guilt, powerlessness, anger, and other signs of stress eventually will lead to symptoms such as irritability, fatigue, headaches, and distortions of bodily functions. It is normal to experience stress, but it must be addressed. The worst thing anyone can do is to deny that it exists. The American Red Cross recommends that the worker get enough sleep and take time away from the disaster (i.e., take breaks).

Several children were hospitalized for severe vomiting and diarrhea. Which of the following best explains why the nurse would continue to pursue the cause of the illness even after the children have been discharged from the hospital? a. So that the children's families know the public health department cared about them b. So that action could be taken to avoid any such future episodes c. Because the children's parents need to know whom to sue for their medical expenses d. To confirm that the symptoms were due to an infectious disease

ANS: B The objectives of an investigation are to control and prevent disease or death by identifying factors that contribute to the occurrence and implementing measures to prevent occurrences. In this case the nurse wanted to make sure children did not become ill again when it could be avoided.

A man is diagnosed with prostate cancer. Which of the following data should the nurse know to answer the man when he asks, "What are the chances I'll survive this thing?" a. Attack rate b. Case fatality rate c. Cause-specific morbidity rate d. Crude mortality rate

ANS: B The case fatality rate (CFR) is the proportion of persons diagnosed with a particular disorder (i.e., cases) who die within a specified period. The CFR is considered an estimate of the risk for death within that period for a person newly diagnosed with the disease. Persons diagnosed with a particular disease often want to know the probability of surviving. The CFR provides that information.

After a house fire, a 4-year-old child begins sucking his thumb and wetting his bed. Which of the following would be the most appropriate action for the nurse to take? a. Explain to the child that it is important to be strong and not act like a baby. b. Explain to the family that this behavior is a normal reaction to disaster. c. Recommend admission for inpatient psychological counseling. d. Recommend behavior therapy as a means to overcome regression.

ANS: B The effects on young children can be especially disruptive. They can resort to regressive behaviors such as sucking their thumbs, wetting their beds, crying, and clinging to parents. This regression is normal in response to the event.

The local hospital, health department, and university together planned and implemented a mock casualty drill, with the university's theater and nursing students playing the injured victims. After the drill, which of the following would the nursing students most likely complete? a. Volunteer as leaders in the next casualty drill b. Evaluate the drill and offer recommendations for more effectiveness in the future c. Recognize how to respond to a real disaster in the future d. Write a report on their actions and how they felt during the drill

ANS: B The nursing students should be prepared to offer a critique of the drill performance and suggest improvements for the next drill—or for an actual disaster.

A woman is sitting in a corner of the clinical waiting room, crying audibly. The nurse asks, "What's wrong? Can I help?" The woman responds, "They just told me I have a positive mammogram and I need to see my doctor for follow-up tests. I know I'm going to die of cancer. How can I tell my family?" Which of the following information does the nurse need to know in order to help the woman cope with this finding? a. The negative predictive value of mammography b. The positive predictive value of mammography c. The reliability of mammography d. The validity of mammography

ANS: B The positive predictive value is the proportion of persons with a positive test who actually have the disease, interpreted as the probability that an individual with a positive test has the disease.

A nurse was the first on the scene of a disaster and saw people with injuries ranging from minor to serious. Some of those with minor injuries were helping others. Which of the following injured persons would the nurse assist first? a. Those with life-threatening head and chest injuries b. Those who have life-threatening abdominal injuries c. Those who have serious injuries of limbs d. Those who are hurt but still mobile and functioning

ANS: B Triage is the process of separating casualties and allocating treatment on the basis of the victims' potentials for survival. The nurse will determine how seriously hurt individuals are and who should get care first, with the first priority being those who have life-threatening injuries but will probably survive if treated quickly. Although the textbook does not address the issue, because of the limited resources in a disaster situation and the fact that only the nurse is currently available to give care, seriously hurt individuals with head or chest injuries that have only a small chance of surviving are not treated.

Which of the following strategies should be used when providing educational programs for children? (Select all that apply.) a. Emphasize how to build learning from previous experiences. b. Use simple words to enhance understanding. c. Use objects to help increase their attention. d. Emphasize the importance of the long-term consequences.

ANS: B, C When providing educational programs for children, the nurse should use more concrete examples and word choices; use objects or devices to increase attention; incorporate repetitive behaviors into games to help with knowledge retention and acquiring new skills.

Which of the following disasters would implementation of disaster medical assistance teams (DMATs)? (Select all that apply.) a. Disaster that covers a broad geographical area b. Disaster that is beyond the coping capabilities of the affected state c. Disaster that may result in substantial health and medical problems d. Disaster that may cause a large number of deaths and/or injuries

ANS: B, C, D A Presidentially Declared Disaster is one that requires implementation of disaster medical assistance teams (DMATs) because the disaster exceeds the capabilities of the involved state(s) to provide a timely and effective response. Such a disaster has the potential to cause a substantial number of deaths or injuries; substantial health and medical problems; or significant damage to the economic and physical infrastructure.

Which of the following describes the purpose of surveillance systems today? (Select all that apply.) a. To obtain data used to fight for increased budgets from taxpayers b. To evaluate the effectiveness of public health programs c. To monitor and reduce the incidence of chronic diseases d. To note and help prevent occupational exposure and diseases

ANS: B, C, D Although surveillance was initially devoted to monitoring and reducing the spread of infectious diseases, it is now used to monitor and reduce chronic diseases and injuries, as well as environmental and occupational exposures. With tight budgets, public health workers must know which programs should be developed and continued based on the most commonly occurring public health problems. Evaluation of the effectiveness of programs requires valid and reliable data.

A nurse is concerned about the high incidence of STDs in the community college population and sets up a special STD screening. Which of the following groups of students would be encouraged to attend? (Select all that apply.) a. Sexually active students currently receiving treatment for an STD b. Sexually active students who had been screened the previous year c. Students who claimed to not be sexually active and do not plan to become sexually active d. Students who are sexually active but never "go all the way"

ANS: B, C, D Those already diagnosed with the problem are not at risk, because they already have the condition and are no longer at risk for developing it.

A public health department becomes aware of an impending health problem before any problem is reported to the agency. Which of the following has most likely occurred within the community? (Select all that apply.) a. Doctors are feeling rushed as they interact with each patient. b. Emergency departments are notably busier than usual. c. Nurses are calling in ill to the local hospital. d. Pharmacists are discussing the increase in medication purchases.

ANS: B, D Doctors feeling rushed and nurses calling in ill are not unusual events. Syndronic surveillance systems were developed to monitor illness syndromes or events, as seen in such indirect measures as increased numbers of medication purchases, trips to physicians or emergency departments, orders for cultures or x-rays, and rising levels of school or work absenteeism. These may indicate that an epidemic is developing.

A nurse is planning to host a health screening at a large urban mall. Which of the following variables will help the nurse determine which screenings should be included? (Select all that apply.) a. Adequate space for persons to lie down after testing until side effects are reduced b. Health problems for which the specific population is at risk c. Whether adequate privacy can be obtained for the invasive or embarrassing procedures d. Whether health care providers are available to follow up on any positive screening results

ANS: B, D The screening tests should be reliable, valid, fast, and inexpensive. They should have few side effects, be minimally invasive, and be capable of detecting enough new cases to warrant the effort and expense. Results should be known immediately. No tests should be used that have negative side effects, are invasive, or cause embarrassment. Ethically, nurses should not screen for any problem unless they can refer those with positive results to a source for follow-up testing and treatment.

A nurse is completing a health risk appraisal with a client. Which of the following comments would cause the nurse to probe further to determine if the family is in crisis? a. "I can't visit my husband in the hospital when I'm at work all day. How can I be sure he's all right?" b. "My husband always handled our finances. Now that he's gone, I'll have to learn how to do this." c. "I don't know what to do now that my husband is dead. There is no way I can go back to work and also take care of our three children." d. "What am I supposed to do now that everything we own is gone? Are there any agencies that can help me?"

ANS: C A family crisis occurs when the family is not able to cope with an event and becomes disorganized or dysfunctional. When the demands of the situation exceed the resources of the family, a family crisis exists. In three of the options, the survivor is considering the problem and trying to learn how to cope or seek resources to cope. Only in this option is the person overwhelmed and unable to conceive of how to cope.

A nurse advises a client with osteoporosis to have three servings of milk or dairy products daily. Which of the following levels of prevention is being used by the nurse? a. Primary prevention b. Secondary prevention c. Tertiary prevention d. Treatment, but not prevention

ANS: C Interventions that prevent worsening of a condition are tertiary prevention activities. In this instance, the client already has a health problem (osteoporosis). By advising adequate dairy intake, the nurse aims to ensure that enough calcium is available to limit worsening of the osteoporosis.

Which of the following families is at high risk for health problems? a. A man agrees that he needs to eat better and exercise more but also expresses how busy he is at his job. b. A man knows that his grandfather, father, and older brother all died of cardiac disease. c. A man is currently unemployed and despairs about finding a position. d. A man expresses disappointment that, having been laid off as an executive, his new position pays only about two thirds of his original salary.

ANS: C A person who is unemployed and despairing of finding employment is at serious economic risk, which is one of the foremost predictors of health problems. Economic risk is determined by the relationship between family financial resources and the demands on those resources. Having adequate financial resources means that a family is able to purchase the necessary services and goods related to health, such as adequate housing, clothing, food, education, and health or illness care.

A nurse is assessing persons arriving at a shelter following a disaster. Which of the following would be the first action the nurse should take? a. Limit the amount of equipment and medications brought into the shelter. b. Determine if the person has a psychological condition requiring special attention. c. Assess if this type of facility is appropriate for the person. d. Provide medical care for persons as if they were in a hospital.

ANS: C Any person who comes to a special needs shelter must be assessed by a nurse to determine whether this type of facility is appropriate.a67

Persons in an auditorium may have been exposed to a disease. If they are infected, it is crucial that they receive immediate treatment and not take the disease home to their families. Which of the following characteristics would be most important to consider when selecting the screening test to be used? a. The negative predictive value b. The positive predictive value c. The sensitivity of the test d. The specificity of the test

ANS: C Because it is most important to identify every case, the sensitivity of the test is crucial. High sensitivity is needed when early treatment is important and when identification of every case is important.

This year 600 of 8000 young women ages 17 to 20 years at a university health center tested positive for a sexually transmitted infection (STI). Which of the following terms best describes this data? a. An epidemic b. Incidence c. Prevalence d. Risk

ANS: C Because we do not have baseline data, we have no way to conclude that this is an epidemic with higher-than-normal results from the screening. Incidence refers to new cases, whereas prevalence means all cases. We don't know whether the finding represents the first time a woman was told she had an STI or whether she had previously been diagnosed with the problem. Therefore, we can't say whether these are new cases (incidence), but the results do represent all cases (prevalence). Risk is the probability of developing an STI, but no risk factors are discussed.

A nurse considered copying last month's surveillance report and changing the date because the number of occurrences per month had not noticeably changed. Which of the following best explains why the nurse should continue to spend time collecting and reporting data that is always nearly the same? a. Because such data are legally required b. Because it is still part of the nurse's responsibilities, even if it is a waste of time c. To determine a local baseline rate and immediately notice any change d. To determine differences among communities in need for state assistance

ANS: C Disease surveillance helps establish baseline (endemic) rates of disease occurrence and patterns of spread. Surveillance makes it possible to initiate a rapid response to an outbreak of a disease or event that can cause a health problem.

Which of the following actions would a nurse take to reduce the high incidence of coronary artery disease (CAD) in a community? a. Introduction of a heart-healthy curriculum beginning in the first grade, presentations on diet and exercise for the community at large, and special education sessions for high-risk populations b. Provision of online activities related to prevention of cardiac disease, smoking reduction programs, and blood pressure screenings c. Distribution of handouts, including age-appropriate games, self-assessments, and education on heart-healthy lifestyles; availability of community screenings for hyperlipidemia in persons age 35 and older; and walking programs for those affected with CAD d. Enrollment of clients with CAD into cardiac rehabilitation programs, routine evaluation of effectiveness of CAD treatment regimens, and participation in clinical trials that evaluate interventions for those diagnosed with CAD

ANS: C Education in schools, the community, and high-risk populations focuses only on primary prevention activities. Online activities focus only on primary and secondary prevention. Efforts focused only on those who already have CAD are not primary prevention. Distributing handouts includes all three levels of prevention to target all members of the population. Targeting all members of the population and implementing all levels of prevention increase the likelihood of positive outcomes for the community as a whole.

A nurse uses lecturing as the primary method of educating clients. Which part of the education process is missing? a. Evaluation b. Experience c. Participation d. Understanding

ANS: C Educators should include participation. (This is one of the six principles of education.) Merely sitting and listening to someone lecture are not as effective as discussion, even when the presentation is stimulating, interesting, and dynamic.

A man says, "I just can't get myself to leave the house and go for a 30-minute walk each day. I wish I could think of some way to motivate myself." Which of the following would be the best action for the nurse to take? a. Establish a written contract between him and his employer that states walking is required each day. b. Recognize the reasons why 30 minutes of walking each day is one of the best health promotion activities he can choose. c. Join a group that walks early each morning. d. Set up rewards for himself, such as a nice snack after he gets back from walking.

ANS: C Health behavior is influenced by the groups to which people belong. Having someone else to walk with is an effective way to maintain the behavior.

A nursing staff has successfully screened for diabetes in the community. Which of the following might best persuade the health board to increase funding for diabetic clinics in this community? a. An epidemic of diabetes is now recognized and must be addressed. b. The incidence of diabetes is now higher than previously recognized in the community. c. The prevalence of diabetes is now higher than previously recognized in the community. d. The risk for diabetes in the community could decrease if funding is received.

ANS: C If more people are now being diagnosed with diabetes and need support, more ongoing services will be needed for this population. Incidence may go up and down, but prevalence is a fairly stable number.

A nurse is providing an educational program about testicular self-examination (TSE). Which of the following would be the best learning objective for this program? a. Each participant will state why TSE is important and explain how to do it. b. Each participant will describe how to do TSE and discuss the dangers of testicular cancer. c. 90% of the men will correctly demonstrate testicular self-examination. d. 100% of the men will do a testicular examination correctly on a model.

ANS: C If the goal is to learn TSE, the best goal is for the person to be able to do TSE correctly. Being able to state why it is important is a helpful first step, as is practice on a model, but to be sure the person can really do the procedure, you need to allow practice time and feedback until the person can demonstrate the procedure properly.

In which of the following situations would the nurse most likely use active surveillance? a. A newspaper wants to know the incidence of asthma in the community. b. A real-time ongoing communication channel is established to monitor a particular symptom. c. Several children become ill with GI upset at one local school. d. The nurse is asked to report the incidence of a specific nonreportable common problem in the community.

ANS: C In active surveillance, the nurse may begin a search for cases to determine the magnitude of the problem (how widespread it is). An example would be when several school children become ill after eating lunch in the cafeteria or at the local hot dog stand, in which case, active surveillance would be used to investigate the possibility of food poisoning.

Which of the following statements describes how nursing in the community is more challenging than nursing in an acute care setting? a. There is limited access to information useful to the nurse in giving care in the community. b. More paperwork and forms are required when giving care in the home. c. It is more challenging to control the environment in the community. d. Specialization isn't possible in the community setting.

ANS: C In the community, nurses often use epidemiology, since the factors that affect the individual, family, and population group cannot be as easily controlled as in acute care settings. It is essentially impossible to control the environment in the community.

Which of the following best describes a normative life event that can increase the risk for illness? a. A family is involved in a motor vehicle crash. b. A group of teens experiment with recreational drugs. c. A woman is pregnant with her first child. d. The family wage earner is laid off from his job.

ANS: C Life events can increase the risk for illness and disability. Normative events are those that are generally expected to occur at a particular stage of development or of the life span. Although pregnancy is a normal condition, it carries risks such as the development of eclampsia or more minor health problems such as constipation and hemorrhoids. Additionally, pregnancy (and the birth that follows) will alter family dynamics and may increase risk for psychological stressors. The events listed in the other options are not normative life events.

The leader of an Alzheimer's support group surveys the members of the group to determine the best time for the group to meet. Which of the following norms is being supported through this action? a. Group norms b. Task norms c. Maintenance norms d. Reality norms

ANS: C Maintenance norms create group pressure to affirm members and maintain their comfort. Maintenance behaviors include identifying the social and psychological tensions of members and taking steps to support those members at high-stress times. Maintenance norms often refer to things such as scheduling meetings at convenient times and in an accessible and comfortable space.

A nurse is drawing a genogram. Which of the following would the nurse use to demonstrate a marriage relationship between two individuals? a. A broken line b. A dashed line c. A solid line d. Two parallel lines

ANS: C Marriage is indicated by a solid line on a genogram.

Which of the following older adults is most in need of psychological support? a. The older adult who keeps asking if loans will be available for him to rebuild b. The older adult who keeps asking if he can go back home yet c. The older adult who keeps lamenting the loss of his family photos d. The older adult who keeps talking about how expensive his home theater was and how he will never be able to afford to replace it

ANS: C Older adults react deeply to the loss of personal possessions because of the high sentimental value attached to the items. Homes and electronic equipment can be replaced, but family photos, and therefore family history, are not replaceable but lost forever. Such a loss warrants psychological support.

A nurse is administering a tuberculosis skin test to a client who has AIDS. Which of the following results should the nurse anticipate when using this screening test? a. Decreased positive predictive value b. Decreased reliability c. Decreased sensitivity d. Decreased specificity

ANS: C Persons with immune deficiencies may have a negative tuberculosis skin test even though they are infected. Sensitivity is the extent to which a test identifies those individuals who have the condition being examined. AIDS is an acquired immune deficiency; thus, clients with AIDS may have a false-negative response to TB skin tests; that is, they have the disease but the test is not sensitive enough to detect infection in these individuals. Therefore, there is decreased sensitivity with those clients.

Using the Neuman Systems Model, which of the following questions would the nurse ask a client to assess physiological health? a. "What helps you to cope with situations involving your wife's cancer?" b. "How has your child's illness affected the behavior of your other children?" c. "Tell me about any illnesses your other family members have." d. "Who do you turn to for support outside your immediate family?"

ANS: C Physiological health involves issues related to physical wellness or illness. Other components of health in Neuman's model include psychological health, sociocultural health, developmental health, and spiritual health.

A nurse reports that in comparison to all the children in a particular school, the children who are members of the Cub Scouts have 0.3 risk for obesity before entering the sixth grade. Which of the following recommendations would the nurse make to the new parents of two boys who had just moved into this school's neighborhood? a. Discourage the parents from enrolling their sons in Cub Scouts because of the risk. b. Don't say anything about Cub Scouts, because it isn't relevant to nursing care. c. Encourage the parents to enroll their sons in Cub Scouts. d. Share the finding and let the parents draw whatever conclusions they feel appropriate.

ANS: C Relative risk is an estimation of the risk of acquiring a problem for those who are exposed compared with those who are unexposed. As the risk for obesity is less for those that are members of Cub Scouts, joining the group is protective and reduces the incidence among members.

A nurse is implementing risk reduction interventions with a family. Which of the following questions is most important for the nurse to ask? a. "Did any of the hunters in your family kill a deer this year?" b. "How do you keep your rifles safe from curious children?" c. "Where do you shoot with your handguns?" d. "Where do you keep your rifles locked when it is not hunting season?"

ANS: C Risk reduction is a complex process that requires knowledge of risks and families' perceptions of the nature of the risk. In this situation the nurse was asking questions to determine the family's perception of risks associated with owning guns. If the family does not perceive the behavior (having guns in the house) as risky, but rather as necessary for food or sport, the nurse must first educate or persuade the family that others may be more comfortable if certain precautionary measures are taken (such as locks on the guns). Rifles are used for food and sport but handguns are often used in crimes and accidents resulting in death.

A school nurse wants to decrease the incidence of obesity in elementary school children. Which of the following describes a secondary prevention intervention that the nurse could implement? a. Giving a presentation on the importance of exercise and physical fitness b. Designing a game in which students select healthy food choices c. Weighing students to identify those who are overweight d. Putting students on a diet if they weigh greater than 20% of their ideal weight

ANS: C Secondary prevention refers to interventions that increase the probability that a person with a condition will have the condition diagnosed early. Health screenings are the mainstay of secondary prevention. Weighing students and assessing whether the weight is higher than recommended will allow for early intervention so that obesity may be avoided.

A member of a community weight-loss group has maintained a healthy weight for 2 years through healthy eating and daily exercise. Which of the following steps of the affective domain is this participant demonstrating? a. Analysis b. Application c. Evaluation d. Knowledge

ANS: C Steps in the affective domain have the learner doing the following in this sequence: (1) knowledge: receives the information; (2) comprehension: responds to what is being taught; (3) application: values the information; (4) analysis: makes sense of the information; (5) synthesis: organizes the information; (6) evaluation: adopts behaviors consistent with the new values. In this example, the individual has adopted the behavior and this has resulted in the ability to maintain the value of a healthy weight.

What is the purpose of the National Response Framework? a. Create a new branch of government that deals with bioterrorism b. Establish a way for the Red Cross to carry out its mission c. Develop a nationwide all-hazards approach to domestic incident management d. Extend presidential power to act quickly upon weapons of mass destruction

ANS: C The National Response Framework is a unified, all-discipline, all-hazards approach to domestic incident management. It is built upon scalable, flexible, and adaptable coordinating structures to align key roles and responsibilities linking all levels of government and organizations.

A public health nurse found that out of the 70 people who ate the potato salad at a school picnic, 63 developed symptoms of food poisoning. Which of the following best describes the attack rate? a. 63% b. 70% c. 90% d. 100%

ANS: C The attack rate is the proportion of persons exposed to an agent who develop the disease. Because 63 of the 70 persons became ill, the attack rate is 63:70, or 90%.

A nurse just finished teaching breast self-examination to a large group of women at a professional conference. During the session, she distributed literature and used culturally appropriate visual aids. However, the session was not as effective as it could have been. Which of the following was the most important thing omitted by the nurse? a. Time for audience members to ask questions and clarify the information b. Explanation of why culturally appropriate images are more acceptable c. Opportunity for the women to practice what they learned d. Use of simple language instead of printed material

ANS: C The learner must have opportunities to practice the new skills being learned. Provide practice sessions during the program because many people may not have the time, facilities, motivation, and/or support to practice at home what they have learned.

A nurse is investigating a bacterial illness that has caused a health problem in the community. Only some of the people exposed to the bacteria have become ill. Which of the following factors best explains why this would have happened? a. Chemical agent factors b. Environmental factors c. Host factors d. Physical agent factors

ANS: C The epidemiologic triangle includes the agent, host, and environment. The bacteria were the agent so chemical and physical agents are not relevant. The environment was apparently the same for everyone, since all were exposed to the bacteria. Therefore, only differences in host factors can explain why some became ill and some were able to fight off the bacterial infestation.

Which of the following organizations would direct nurses' response to a county-wide disaster? a. American Red Cross b. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention c. Emergency Management Agency d. The local public health department

ANS: C The first level of disaster response occurs at the local level with the mobilization of responders such as the fire department, law enforcement, public health, and emergency services. If the disaster stretches local resources, the county or city emergency management agency (EMA) will coordinate activities through an emergency operations center (EOC). Generally, local responders within a county sign a regional or state-wide mutual aid agreement to allow the sharing of needed personnel, equipment, services, and supplies.

Which of the following types of study should the nurse researcher choose if the goal is to identify the long-term benefits and risks of a particular nursing intervention for senior citizens living in the community? a. Cross-sectional study b. Ecologic study c. Clinical trial d. Retrospective analysis

ANS: C The goal of a clinical trial is to evaluate the effectiveness of an intervention. Clinical trials are generally the best way to show causality.

A community health nurse has invited several agencies in the community to a meeting to discuss the disaster plan for the community. Which of the following best describes the purpose of this meeting? a. To increase stability in the community b. To improve overall community functioning c. To manage response to disasters in the community d. To enhance communication among agencies in the community

ANS: C The level of community preparedness for a disaster is only as good as the people and organizations in the community make it. Although natural disasters cannot be prevented, much can be done to minimize further increases in accidents, death, and destruction after impact. A concise, realistic, and well-rehearsed disaster plan is essential for managing the response to disaster.

The outpatient health care data show a notable increase in asthma over the numbers treated the previous year. Which of the following actions should the public health nurse take first? (Select all that apply.) a. Analyze educational health programs offered to the public last year. b. Congratulate the public health staff on the success of their asthma awareness program. c. Determine whether there are any other data sources that might confirm or dispute the apparent increase in asthma. d. Review data with the outpatient clinic staff such as confirming repeat visits versus newly diagnosed cases.

ANS: C, D Before drawing any conclusions, further data should be sought, including confirmation of the current data and their meaning. Data can be inaccurate or collected differently than in the past. What might have led to an increase? Are there other valid sources that might have relevant data? Should surveillance specific to asthma be established?

Between 2000 and 2005, 1000 of 10,000 young women ages 17 to 20 years at a university tested positive for a sexually transmitted infection (STI). Of the 1000 diagnosed STIs, 300 were gonorrhea and 500 were chlamydia. Which of the following statements best summarizes these findings? a. The proportion of cases of gonorrhea to all STIs was 300:1300. b. The proportion of cases of gonorrhea to chlamydia was 300:500. c. The proportion of cases of gonorrhea to all STIs was 50%. d. The proportion of STIs to the total population was 100:1000.

ANS: D A proportion is a ratio in which the denominator includes the numerator. If the proportion is small, we can express the number per 1000. The answer of 300:1300 adds the total of the numerator to the denominator, which is unnecessary because the gonorrhea cases were already included in the denominator. In the answer of 300:500, the ratio comparing gonorrhea to chlamydia does not meet the epidemiological definition of proportion (i.e., the denominator must contain the numerator). Although proportions may be expressed as percentages, in the answer of 50% the percentage reflects the number of gonorrhea cases to all STIs, which doesn't summarize the total STI problem. The answer of 100:1000 correctly summarizes that 1000 of 10,000 (or 100:1000) young women had the problem.

A nurse is meeting to discuss problems and solutions with a group of teenagers who have been newly diagnosed with diabetes. One teenager states, "My mom found this particular brand of popcorn that has only 15 carbohydrates in the whole giant bag." Which of the following best describes the group purpose that is being served by the teenager's statement? a. Maintenance function of encouraging everyone to continue the discussion b. Maintenance function of helping everyone feel comfortable talking about food c. Task function of resolving problems about what to nibble during movies d. Task function of sharing information and resources

ANS: D A task function is anything a member does that deliberately contributes to the group's purpose. Members with task-directed abilities are attractive to the group. These traits include strong problem-solving skills, access to material resources, and skills in directing. The teenager's statement shared information about a good resource for the group.

A nurse invited all the teenagers who were newly diagnosed with diabetes to a group meeting to discuss issues they all had in common. One teenager replied, "I don't know if I want to share all the problems I'm having with strangers." Which of the following is the best nurse response? a. "Don't share anything with anyone until you're comfortable doing so." b. "I can understand what you are saying." c. "No one will require you to do anything you don't want to do." d. "The purpose of the group is to have a safe place to share problems with others who may be having similar problems."

ANS: D All the responses are empathetic and supportive. However, during the first phase, potential participants do not know whether they can trust one another. The primary task of the leader at this point is to clarify the purpose. Even though a statement such as "Don't share anything until you're comfortable" is supportive, the response explaining that "the purpose is to have a safe place" both recognizes what was said and clarifies the purpose of the group.

A teacher recommends that surveys to obtain data on drug use be given to high school students when they meet for various school organizations. Which of the following best describes why the nurse would reject this suggestion? a. This method of data collection would result in classification bias. b. This method of data collection would result in confounding bias. c. This method of data collection would result in personal bias. d. This method of data collection would result in selection bias.

ANS: D Any study is subject to bias resulting from selective choice. There may be a difference between students who choose to belong to an organization and students who choose not to join an organization. Selection bias occurs when selection procedures are not representative of the population as a whole. In this instance, the goal is to determine drug use of all students at the school. If only students who join school organizations are selected, those who do not join organizations will not be represented.

A nurse is conducting a health risk appraisal. Which of the following activities is the nurse assessing when using this tool? a. Health promotion activities b. Illness prevention activities c. Risk reduction activities d. Unhealthy activities

ANS: D Health risk appraisal refers to the process of assessing for the presence of specific factors in each of the categories that have been identified as being associated with an increased likelihood of an illness, such as cancer, or an unhealthy event, such as an automobile accident. Therefore, the nurse would assess for unhealthy behavior and activities in the areas of biological and age-related risk, social and physical environment risk, and behavioral risk. Activities to promote health, prevent illness, or reduce risks would be advantageous, not risky.

Which aspect of a biological agent is probably the most frightening to those exposed? a. Infectivity b. Invasiveness c. Pathogenicity d. Virulence

ANS: D Infectivity refers to the capacity of an agent to enter a susceptible host and produce infection or disease. Invasiveness is the ability of an agent to get into a susceptible host. Pathogenicity measures the proportion of infected people who develop the disease. Virulence refers to the proportion of people with clinical disease who become severely ill or die. It is assumed people could cope with illness but possible death is truly frightening for most.

A nurse learns about a huge disaster a few states away. Which of the following actions by the nurse would be most helpful in this situation? a. Contributing funds to any charity that is assisting the victims b. Driving over to the area and volunteering to assist c. Sending clothes and food to the area for distribution d. Training to become a Red Cross disaster volunteer

ANS: D Lack of information or inaccurate information regarding the scope of the disaster and its initial effects can contribute to the misuse of resources. Often too many volunteers who lack official sponsorship convene at the site of disaster and are disappointed when their help cannot be used. Similarly, well-meaning people may send clothes and food to disaster sites. The unneeded contributions of food and clothing add to the stress of coping with the disaster, particularly if refrigeration and storage are not available. Although contributing to an organization like the American Red Cross is to be encouraged and commended, many fraudulent scam charities may pop up claiming to collect funds for the victims.

A rural public health nurse is spending time reviewing death certificates. Which of the following best explains the purpose of this activity? a. To ensure that local causes of death are consistent with national causes of death b. To confirm that no local health problems are beginning c. To evaluate effectiveness of health promotion programs d. To obtain mortality data for the local area

ANS: D Mortality data are often the only source of health-related data available for small geographic areas. Vital statistics reports such as death certificates are reviewed. Useful information also comes from administrative data such as discharge reports and billing records.

A nurse is planning an educational program about cardiovascular disease. Which of the following would be the optimal time for the nurse to elicit feedback from program participants? a. At the beginning of the program b. At the program midpoint c. Immediately following program completion d. Throughout the program

ANS: D Not only should learners receive feedback, but the educator should also elicit feedback from learners throughout the educational process. On the basis of the feedback that the educator receives from learners, the implementation and presentation of the educational program can be modified.

A principal comments to the school nurse that it seems there are a lot more problems with asthma among the students than there were before the school was remodeled a couple of years ago. The nurse investigates the principal's observation by reviewing all the school records to determine visits to the health office because of asthma by week and month for the past 5 years. Which of the following best describes the type of study the nurse is conducting? a. Descriptive epidemiological study b. Ecological study c. Prospective cohort study d. Retrospective cohort study

ANS: D Retrospective cohort studies rely on existing records to define a cohort that is classified as having been exposed or unexposed at some time in the past. In this case, the issue is whether there is some health risk in the new building addition that is increasing frequency of visits to the school nurse because of asthma.

A nurse is employed by the American Red Cross and is frequently assigned to fly to a disaster zone. Which of the following should the nurse's family members have readily available? a. Gloves, mask, and other personal protective equipment b. A copy of the nurse's professional license c. A 5-day supply of water d. A disaster/emergency plan

ANS: D The nurse and the nurse's family are best protected by having the skills and knowledge to cope with a disaster, including details such as where families will reunite in the event of an emergency. The nurse should have his/her own copy of the professional license. It is recommended that a 3-day supply of water (1 gallon per person per day) be part of an emergency planning kit. Gloves, mask, and other personal protective equipment are recommended for the professional nurse to have available as an emergency supply.

A nurse is examining the various factors that lead to disease and suggests several areas where nurses could intervene to reduce future incidence of disease. Which of the following models would the nurse most likely use? a. Epidemiologic triangle b. Health promotion c. Levels of prevention d. Web of causality

ANS: D The web of causality model recognizes the complex interrelationships of many factors interacting to increase or decrease the risk for disease. Causal relationships (one thing or event causing another) are often more complex than the epidemiologic triangle conveys. With all the various antecedents identified, the nurse can then decide in which areas interventions are possible.

A nurse has only a regular blood pressure cuff when conducting a health screening for all of the residents of a community. Which of the following may be lacking when obtaining blood pressure readings? a. Reliability b. Sensitivity c. Specificity d. Validity

ANS: D Validity is the accuracy of a test or measurement, or how closely it measures what it claims to measure. With only one regular BP cuff, the nurse cannot obtain accurate measurements on those who are extremely obese or extremely thin. A thigh cuff and a pediatric cuff would allow the nurse to obtain accurate—that is, valid—measurements.

Several small communities have applied for grant funding from the state department of health to help decrease their teenage pregnancy rate. Which of the following communities should the nurse suggest receive funding first? a. Community A—with 23 single teenage pregnancies in a city of 500 b. Community B—with 45 single teenage pregnancies in a city of 1000 c. Community C—with 90 single teenage pregnancies in a city of 2000 d. Community D—with 90 single teenage pregnancies in a city of 1500

ANS: D Without doing any actual math, it should be fairly obvious that 23:500, 45:1000, and 90:2000 are all about the same proportion but that 90:1500 is a larger proportion. Doing the math, the pregnancy rates of A, B, and C are 45-46:1000, whereas the rate in Community D is 60:1000.