A nurse is explaining the health care system in the United States to a group of health care providers visiting from South America. How would the nurse best describe the current health care system?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: "It is divided primarily into two components: private health care and public health care." This is the best description of the current health care system in the United States. Private health care includes insurance-based and employer-sponsored plans, while public health care consists of government-funded programs like Medicare and Medicaid. This choice accurately reflects the dual nature of the U.S. health care system, highlighting the coexistence of private and public sectors. Explanation for why other choices are incorrect: A: This choice describes an idealized view of the health care system, which may not accurately represent the complexities and challenges of the U.S. system. B: This choice oversimplifies the system by focusing solely on hospitals, neglecting the broader scope of health care services available in the U.S. D: This choice makes a subjective claim about the quality of the U.S. health care system without acknowledging its limitations and disparities in access and outcomes.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because managed care controls costs by requiring families to choose a care provider from the MC network. This allows the MC to negotiate discounted rates with specific providers, ensuring cost-effective care delivery. By restricting access to other services without provider permission, MC can manage utilization and reduce unnecessary costs. Choice A is incorrect because encouraging the use of specific practice associates does not directly control costs. Choice C is incorrect as moving Medicaid-eligible families to state Medicare enrollment does not necessarily reduce costs. Choice D is incorrect as denying access to urgent care or emergency services can compromise patient safety and is not a cost-effective strategy for managing care expenses.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Community health center. Public health nurses often direct uninsured clients to community health centers as they offer primary care services on a sliding fee scale based on income. This ensures access to essential healthcare services without the barrier of cost. Managed care (A) typically requires insurance coverage, the emergency department (C) is costly and primarily for emergencies, and physician offices (D) may not be affordable for uninsured clients. Community health centers prioritize providing care to underserved populations, making them the most suitable option for the client in this scenario.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because the client's statement does not indicate a professional negligence claim. Negligence in healthcare is based on a breach of the standard of care resulting in harm. In this case, the lack of a call light and monitoring does not directly connect to a breach of the standard of care. Choices A, B, and D all involve clear instances of potential negligence resulting in harm, such as failure to follow turning protocols, failure to remove a tight cast leading to nerve damage, and performing surgery on the wrong limb. These scenarios demonstrate a direct link between the healthcare provider's actions and the resulting harm, making them more appropriate grounds for a professional negligence claim.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because public health nursing often provides autonomy and independence in decision-making, allowing nurses to implement strategies and interventions independently. This role focuses on preventive care and community health promotion, which aligns with the principles of public health. Choice B is incorrect as public health nursing typically focuses on preventive care rather than acute care. Choice C is incorrect as collaboration with other health care professionals is important in all nursing roles, not exclusive to public health nursing. Choice D is incorrect as public health nursing may not always offer higher wages compared to other nursing specialties.