A nurse is considering applying for a position as a public health nurse. Which of the following would be a reason this position would be appealing?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Public health nursing is known for its autonomy and independence. In many instances, there are limited other health care professionals and staff with whom to interact. In-patient acute care nurses focus on acute care with outcomes known fairly quickly (B). Acute care nurses collaborate frequently with other health care professionals (C). Depending on the position there may be more flexibility, but typically public health nurses do not receive higher wages (D).

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A) They were afraid of infectious diseases such as yellow fever. This option is correct because historically, the fear of infectious diseases, like yellow fever, was a significant driving force behind the establishment of government-sponsored boards of health in the United States. These boards were created to address public health concerns and protect citizens from the spread of deadly diseases. Option B) The government could force the poverty-stricken to accept care is incorrect because the primary motivation for establishing boards of health was not to provide care to the poverty-stricken by force. Instead, the focus was on promoting public health and disease prevention for the entire population. Option C) Such boards could tax and thereby ensure adequate funds to pay for care is incorrect because while funding is important for the functioning of public health initiatives, it was not the main reason American citizens were interested in establishing government-sponsored boards of health. The primary concern was the prevention and control of infectious diseases. Option D) Such a system would allow for accurate records of births and deaths is incorrect because while maintaining accurate records of births and deaths is a valuable function of public health systems, it was not the primary reason for the establishment of government-sponsored boards of health in the United States. Educationally, understanding the historical context of public health initiatives helps students appreciate the evolution of healthcare systems and the factors that have influenced public health policies. This question highlights the importance of addressing public health concerns in response to disease outbreaks and the role of government in safeguarding the health of the population.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C) Guidelines for modern public health organizations were eventually developed. The Shattuck Report, published in 1850 by Lemuel Shattuck, was a groundbreaking document that laid the foundation for modern public health in the United States. It recommended the establishment of modern public health organizations with guidelines to address various aspects of public health, such as sanitation, disease prevention, and health promotion. Option A is incorrect because the Shattuck Report did not specifically focus on efforts to control alcohol, drug abuse, or tobacco use. Option B is incorrect because while environmental sanitation was a key component of the report, it was not the only priority identified. Option D is incorrect because the report did not immediately lead to the establishment of boards of health by local and state governments; rather, it took time for Shattuck's recommendations to be implemented. Understanding the impact of historical documents like the Shattuck Report is crucial for students studying the history of public health. It provides insight into the evolution of public health practices and policies, highlighting the importance of evidence-based recommendations in shaping public health outcomes. Students should learn how this report influenced the development of public health infrastructure and policies that continue to impact public health practices today.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A) Investigating causes of absenteeism. In the early 20th century, school nurses primarily focused on identifying and addressing the reasons why students were absent from school. This role was crucial in improving public health as it allowed for the identification of infectious diseases, poor living conditions, and other factors contributing to absenteeism. Option B) Teaching school as well as being a nurse is incorrect because school nurses were primarily focused on health-related issues rather than teaching. Option C) Promoting nursing as an autonomous practice is also incorrect as school nursing at that time was not about promoting nursing autonomy but rather about addressing public health concerns within the school setting. Option D) Providing medical treatment to enable children to return to school is incorrect because in the early 20th century, medical treatments were typically provided by physicians rather than school nurses. Understanding the historical context of school nursing helps to appreciate the evolution of this profession and its impact on public health. By focusing on investigating causes of absenteeism, school nurses were able to play a crucial role in promoting the health and well-being of students and the broader community.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: In the early 20th century, nurses were largely educated in diploma schools which primarily focused on providing care to hospitalized patients. This emphasis on hospital-based care left nurses ill-equipped for the unique challenges of public health nursing, which required skills in community health, preventative care, and home visits. Option D is correct because it directly addresses this lack of preparation due to the curriculum focus of diploma schools. Option A is incorrect because public health nursing did exist as a field at that time, even though it was still developing. Option B is incorrect as there were educators available to teach nurses about public health activities. Option C is also incorrect as Florence Nightingale did not publish a specific textbook on public health nursing, but this does not explain why nurses were unprepared for this aspect of their work. Educationally, this question highlights the importance of aligning nursing education with the evolving needs of the healthcare system. It underscores the necessity for nurse educators to adapt curricula to ensure that graduates are equipped with the skills and knowledge required for all aspects of nursing practice, including public health.