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?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Host factors. Host factors refer to individual characteristics that influence susceptibility to a particular disease. In this scenario, the variation in illness among those exposed to the same bacteria suggests that host factors play a crucial role. Factors such as immune status, genetic predisposition, age, and overall health can affect an individual's ability to combat the bacterial illness. This explains why only some of the exposed individuals became ill. A: Chemical agent factors - This choice refers to agents like toxic chemicals, which are not directly relevant to the scenario described. B: Environmental factors - While environmental factors can play a role in disease transmission, the question specifically focuses on why only some individuals became ill despite exposure to the same bacteria. D: Physical agent factors - This choice relates to physical agents like radiation or trauma, which are not applicable to a bacterial illness scenario.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Cohort study. In a cohort study, the public health nurse follows a group of individuals over time to assess the relationship between exposure and disease occurrence. This type of study allows for the determination of potential cause and effect relationships. In contrast, an experimental study (choice A) involves intervention and manipulation of variables. A cross-sectional study (choice B) captures data at a single point in time without following individuals over time. A case-control study (choice D) involves comparing individuals with and without a disease to identify factors associated with the disease but does not provide information on the temporal sequence of exposure and disease occurrence.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Subclinical stage. At this stage, the client has elevated blood pressure but no symptoms yet. This stage is characterized by the presence of disease without clinical symptoms. The client is not in the Susceptibility stage (A) because they already have elevated blood pressure. The Clinical stage (C) is characterized by the presence of symptoms, which the client does not have. The Carrier stage (D) typically refers to individuals who harbor and transmit infectious agents without showing symptoms, not related to elevated blood pressure. Therefore, the Subclinical stage best describes the client's condition in this scenario.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Measles. Measles is spread through airborne transmission via respiratory droplets. The virus is highly contagious and can remain in the air for up to two hours after an infected person has left the area. Measles outbreaks often occur in crowded places like schools. Influenza (B) is also spread through respiratory droplets, but measles is more commonly known for airborne transmission. Pertussis (C) is spread through respiratory droplets but is not primarily airborne. Pneumonia (D) is not a communicable disease spread through the air.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Dehydration. Mild to moderate food poisoning commonly leads to dehydration due to fluid loss from vomiting and diarrhea. Dehydration is a key concern as it can lead to serious complications. Incorrect choices: A: Bloody diarrhea is more indicative of severe food poisoning or infections like E. coli. B: Diarrhea lasting more than 3 days suggests a more severe case or underlying condition. D: Fever less than 102°F is not specific to food poisoning and can occur in various illnesses.