ATI RN
History of Public Health Questions
Question 1 of 5
Which historical event highlighted the importance of public health surveillance in preventing the spread of infectious diseases?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: The cholera outbreak of 1854. This event, led by Dr. John Snow, showed the significance of public health surveillance by mapping cases to identify the source (contaminated water pump). This led to the implementation of preventive measures. Penicillin (A) revolutionized treatment but did not focus on prevention. The polio epidemic (C) raised awareness for vaccination but not surveillance. The 1918 Spanish Flu pandemic (D) emphasized the need for preparedness but did not directly highlight surveillance's preventive role.
Question 2 of 5
What major piece of public health legislation passed in the 1960s expanded healthcare access for the elderly in the United States?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C, the Medicare and Medicaid Act. This legislation, passed in the 1960s, specifically expanded healthcare access for the elderly in the United States by establishing the Medicare program. Medicare provides health insurance for individuals aged 65 and older. Medicaid, also part of this act, provides healthcare coverage for low-income individuals. The other choices are incorrect because: A: The Medicaid Act primarily focuses on providing healthcare coverage for low-income individuals, not specifically the elderly. B: The Social Security Act established social security benefits, not healthcare access for the elderly. D: The National Health Service Act is a UK legislation and not related to expanding healthcare access for the elderly in the US.
Question 3 of 5
Which significant public health achievement in the 20th century helped reduce the global incidence of smallpox?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B, the smallpox eradication campaign. This initiative led by the World Health Organization successfully eliminated smallpox globally in 1980. The campaign involved mass vaccination programs, surveillance, and containment strategies. The introduction of the polio vaccine (choice A) targeted polio, not smallpox. The development of the tuberculosis vaccine (choice C) aimed to combat tuberculosis, not smallpox. The WHO's health for all campaign (choice D) focused on promoting health for all, but it did not directly address smallpox eradication.
Question 4 of 5
Which U.S. public health initiative was launched in the 1970s to improve air quality and reduce industrial pollution?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: The Clean Air Act. This legislation was indeed launched in the 1970s to address air quality and industrial pollution in the U.S. It set standards for air quality, regulated industrial emissions, and aimed to protect public health. The other choices are incorrect because: B: The Safe Drinking Water Act focuses on ensuring safe drinking water, not air quality. C: The Environmental Protection Agency Act established the EPA to oversee environmental regulations but does not specifically target air quality improvement. D: The National Health Policy Act is not a specific initiative related to air quality or industrial pollution.
Question 5 of 5
The development of which public health practice in the 19th century helped reduce the spread of infectious diseases such as cholera?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Improvement of sanitation and water supply systems. This practice helped reduce the spread of infectious diseases like cholera by ensuring clean water supply and proper waste disposal, preventing contamination. Hospitals (A) treat but do not prevent diseases like cholera. Antibiotics (B) were not discovered until the 20th century and are used to treat bacterial infections, not prevent the spread of diseases. Public health insurance (D) provides financial support for healthcare but does not directly impact disease prevention measures like sanitation improvements.