Which factor is most closely linked to health disparities?

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: 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.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because cultural competence in community health nursing enables nurses to provide care that respects and responds to the health beliefs and practices of diverse patients. This is important for building trust, improving communication, and enhancing patient outcomes. Choice B is incorrect because cultural training is not mandatory for all healthcare providers. Choice C is incorrect because cultural competence goes beyond medical practices to encompass understanding and respecting patients' cultural backgrounds. Choice D is incorrect because cultural competence does not prevent misunderstandings, but rather helps nurses navigate and address them effectively.