What is a primary objective of public health?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Eliminating health disparities among populations. This is the primary objective of public health as it focuses on ensuring that all individuals have equal access to healthcare and resources to achieve optimal health outcomes. By addressing disparities, public health aims to promote health equity and reduce inequalities in health status. Lowering chronic diseases (A) and extending life expectancy (D) are important goals but not the primary objective. Delivering health education (C) is a strategy within public health but not the main objective.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, Economic stability, as it directly influences access to healthcare, housing, education, and nutritious food, impacting overall health. Genetic predisposition (A) refers to inherited traits, not external factors. Personal health behaviors (B) are individual choices. Biological factors (C) focus on physical attributes, not societal influences. Economic stability (D) aligns with social determinants by addressing social, economic, and environmental factors that shape health outcomes.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because advocating for policies that promote health equity addresses the root causes of health disparities at a systemic level, leading to sustainable change. Providing health education to individuals (A) is important but may not address underlying systemic issues. Conducting community health assessments (C) is a valuable tool but alone does not directly address health disparities. Offering free health screenings (D) may improve access to care but does not tackle the broader social determinants of health that contribute to disparities. Advocating for policies that promote health equity is the most effective way for a community health nurse to create lasting change and address health disparities comprehensively.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Encouraging healthy behaviors. Health promotion aims to empower individuals to take control of their health by adopting behaviors that prevent illness and promote overall well-being. This involves educating, motivating, and supporting people to make positive lifestyle choices. Treating illness (A) and ensuring access to care (C) are more related to healthcare delivery rather than health promotion. While disease prevention (D) is an important aspect of health promotion, it focuses specifically on preventing the occurrence of diseases rather than promoting overall health through positive behaviors.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Lack of transportation. This is a common barrier because individuals may not be able to physically reach healthcare facilities, leading to limited access to services. Lack of transportation can prevent people from seeking timely care, resulting in worsened health outcomes. Choice B: High cost of services is a barrier, but lack of transportation directly affects physical access to care. Choice C: Long wait times can be a barrier, but it is not as fundamental as the inability to physically reach the healthcare facility. Choice D: Complexity of the health care system can also be a barrier, but lack of transportation is more immediate and directly impacts access.