Which action represents a primary prevention strategy?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B, administering vaccines to prevent disease. This is a primary prevention strategy as it aims to prevent the occurrence of disease before it occurs. Vaccines stimulate the immune system to produce an immune response against specific pathogens, reducing the risk of infection and transmission. Educating children on handwashing (A) is important for hygiene but falls under health promotion, not primary prevention. Screening for early signs of disease (C) is secondary prevention, aiming to detect disease at an early stage to prevent complications. Providing treatment for acute illnesses (D) is tertiary prevention, focusing on managing and minimizing the impact of existing conditions.

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: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Access to health care. Health disparities are predominantly influenced by unequal access to healthcare services, which can lead to differences in health outcomes among various populations. Limited access to healthcare can result in delayed or inadequate treatment, leading to poorer health outcomes. Lifestyle choices (B) and environmental factors (C) can contribute to health disparities, but access to healthcare plays a more significant role. Social support (D) is important for overall well-being but is not as closely linked to health disparities as access to healthcare.

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.