ATI RN
History of Public Health Nursing Questions
Question 1 of 5
A nursing student during World War II would likely join which group?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D) The Cadet Nurse Corps. During World War II, the Bolton Act of 1943 was enacted to address the shortage of nurses by establishing the Cadet Nurse Corps. This initiative aimed to increase nursing enrollment and provide essential healthcare support during the war. Joining the Cadet Nurse Corps was a common choice for nursing students during this time as it offered opportunities for training, education, and service to the country. Options A, B, and C are incorrect: A) The US Public Health Service (USPHS) predominantly utilized nurses during World War I, not World War II. B) The Marine Nurse Corps was not a prominent nursing group during World War II. C) The Frontier Nursing Service (FNS) was a rural-focused nursing organization, but it was not directly associated with the wartime efforts during World War II. Educational Context: Understanding the historical context of nursing during World War II is crucial for nursing students to appreciate the significant roles nurses played during times of crisis. The establishment of the Cadet Nurse Corps not only addressed the nursing shortage but also paved the way for the professional development of nursing students during a critical period in history. This knowledge enhances students' appreciation for the evolution of public health nursing and the impact of wartime policies on healthcare delivery.
Question 2 of 5
A nurse working with Mary Breckinridge would have likely assisted with: (Select all that apply.)
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In the context of the history of public health nursing, the correct answer, option D, is assisting with ensuring positive outcomes for pregnancies among women in the Appalachian region while working with Mary Breckinridge. Mary Breckinridge is known for pioneering the Frontier Nursing Service, which focused on improving maternal and infant health in rural Appalachia through the use of nurse-midwives. Option A, establishing the Henry Street Settlement, is incorrect because this initiative was associated with Lillian Wald, not Mary Breckinridge. Lillian Wald was a prominent figure in public health nursing who established the Henry Street Settlement in New York City to provide healthcare services to immigrants and the poor. Option B, developing health programs geared toward improving nurses' income, is incorrect because while Mary Breckinridge did work to improve healthcare in rural areas, her primary focus was on maternal and child health rather than nurses' income. Option C, blazing a nursing trail through the Rockies, providing nursing care to miners and their families, is incorrect because this activity does not align with Mary Breckinridge's specific contributions and focus in public health nursing, which were centered around maternal and infant health in the Appalachian region. Understanding the historical context and contributions of key figures in public health nursing, such as Mary Breckinridge, is essential for nurses to appreciate the evolution of healthcare practices and to inspire them to continue the legacy of addressing healthcare disparities in underserved communities.
Question 3 of 5
How did health care and its delivery change during the 1980s? (Select ONE that does not apply.)
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A) Funding to public health increased as funding for acute hospital care decreased. During the 1980s, there was a shift in healthcare funding where more resources were allocated to acute hospital care due to advancements in medical technology and an increase in demand for specialized care. This led to a decrease in funding for public health, as reflected in option A. Option B is incorrect because laws actually began to discourage the use of alcohol, drugs, and tobacco during this time period, as a response to rising public health concerns related to substance abuse. Option C is incorrect as nurse practitioners were indeed increasingly utilized to provide care in the 1980s, reflecting a shift towards primary care and preventive services. Option D is incorrect because public health programs did suffer reduced political support, financing, and effectiveness during the 1980s due to various factors such as budget cuts and shifting priorities in healthcare policy. Educationally, understanding the changes in healthcare delivery during different time periods is crucial for students studying public health nursing. This knowledge helps students grasp the historical context that has shaped current healthcare systems and policies, allowing them to better appreciate the evolution of public health nursing practice.
Question 4 of 5
Which statement best describes 'thinking upstream'?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is option A, "Modifying economic, political, and environmental factors," because thinking upstream in public health nursing involves addressing the root causes of health issues rather than just treating symptoms. By modifying these factors, public health nurses can prevent or mitigate health problems at the source, leading to more sustainable and effective outcomes for communities. Option B, "Preparing for nursing career long-term goals by planning now," is incorrect because it does not relate to the concept of thinking upstream in public health nursing. This option focuses on personal career planning rather than population-based health interventions. Option C, "Seeking causes of water and air pollution 'upstream' from cities," is also incorrect because it only addresses environmental factors and does not encompass the broader economic and political determinants of health that upstream thinking considers. Option D, "Trying to understand how or why someone got ill," is incorrect because it reflects a downstream approach of focusing on individual illness rather than addressing the systemic issues that contribute to poor health outcomes in populations. In an educational context, understanding the concept of thinking upstream is crucial for public health nurses as it enables them to implement interventions that have a more significant and lasting impact on community health. By addressing social, economic, and environmental determinants of health, nurses can work towards creating healthier and more equitable societies. It is essential for nursing students to grasp this concept to be effective advocates for population health and to contribute meaningfully to improving the well-being of communities.
Question 5 of 5
Which best describes the primary purpose of nursing theory?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In the context of the History of Public Health Nursing exam, understanding the primary purpose of nursing theory is crucial for students to grasp the foundational principles of the profession. The correct answer, A) To improve nursing practice, is the most appropriate choice because nursing theories are developed to provide a framework for guiding nursing practice. By utilizing nursing theories, nurses can enhance their clinical decision-making, critical thinking skills, and overall quality of care delivery. Option B) To demonstrate that nursing is a profession is incorrect because while nursing theories do contribute to the professionalization of nursing by providing a theoretical basis for practice, this is not their primary purpose. Option C) To organize nursing knowledge is also incorrect as organizing knowledge is a byproduct of using nursing theories rather than their main objective. Finally, option D) To serve as a basis for ongoing nursing research, while important, is not the primary purpose of nursing theory. Nursing theories can certainly inform research endeavors, but their main goal is to guide practice and improve patient outcomes. Educationally, it is vital for students to understand the foundational role of nursing theory in shaping the profession and enhancing patient care. By grasping the primary purpose of nursing theory, students can appreciate its significance in shaping their practice and professional identity. This knowledge equips them with a solid theoretical foundation to deliver evidence-based, high-quality care in the field of public health nursing.