What factor contributes most to the lower life expectancy of rural residents compared to urban residents?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B, higher rates of smoking and obesity. Rural residents tend to have higher rates of smoking and obesity compared to urban residents, which are significant risk factors for various health conditions leading to lower life expectancy. Smoking and obesity are directly linked to chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Access to healthcare facilities (A) can impact life expectancy but may not be the primary factor. Income disparities (C) can also play a role but may not have as direct an impact as lifestyle choices. Lack of transportation (D) can hinder access to healthcare but is not as significant as smoking and obesity in affecting life expectancy in rural areas.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Incentivizing healthcare providers to practice in rural areas. This option directly addresses the issue of healthcare access in rural areas by attracting more healthcare providers to work there. Increasing urban-based healthcare workers (choice A) does not address the specific need in rural areas. Limiting insurance options for rural populations (choice C) would actually hinder access to healthcare. Choice D is incorrect because not all options provided are effective in improving healthcare access in rural areas.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: All of the above. 1. Telehealth services provide remote access to specialized care for rural residents. 2. Mobile health units bring healthcare services directly to underserved rural areas. 3. Primary care services serve as the first point of contact for healthcare needs in rural areas. Therefore, all options are important in addressing the limited access to specialized care in rural areas. Other choices are incorrect because each option plays a crucial role in improving healthcare access in rural communities.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Economics represents the science of allocation of resources. Resources are goods or services. The other definitions do not fully describe economics.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: With 25% of the population out of work, the number of patients capable of paying their medical bills was reduced. Because public financing was limited, hospitals, physicians, and other providers went bankrupt. Because hospitals and physicians were going bankrupt, there was no way to increase charity care or services for those in need.