ATI RN
History of Public Health Questions
Question 1 of 5
Which key historical figure is known for his work in reducing the incidence of puerperal fever through antiseptic practices?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Ignaz Semmelweis. Semmelweis is known for his work in reducing puerperal fever by implementing antiseptic practices in obstetric clinics. He introduced handwashing with chlorinated lime solutions to reduce the spread of infection. Louis Pasteur is known for germ theory, not specifically for puerperal fever. Edward Jenner developed the smallpox vaccine. Joseph Lister is known for pioneering antiseptic surgery techniques, but Semmelweis specifically focused on puerperal fever in obstetric settings. Therefore, the correct choice is C.
Question 2 of 5
The introduction of which global health initiative in the mid-20th century helped drastically reduce the prevalence of polio worldwide?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: The Polio Eradication Initiative. This initiative, launched by the World Health Organization (WHO) in the mid-20th century, specifically targeted the eradication of polio through vaccination campaigns. The other choices are incorrect because: A: The WHO Global Health Initiative is too broad and does not specifically address polio eradication. C: The Smallpox Eradication Program, while successful in eradicating smallpox, is not directly related to the reduction of polio prevalence. D: The Global Vaccination Program is too generic and does not specify the focused effort needed to combat polio.
Question 3 of 5
Which disease was the focus of the first mass immunization campaign in the United States in the 20th century?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Smallpox. Smallpox was the focus of the first mass immunization campaign in the US in the 20th century due to its high mortality rate and contagious nature. The successful global eradication of smallpox in 1980 is a testament to the effectiveness of mass immunization efforts. Polio (choice A) had a significant vaccination campaign, but it came later in the century. Measles (choice C) and Tuberculosis (choice D) were not the focus of the first mass immunization campaign in the US.
Question 4 of 5
Which major international health organization was created to coordinate the global response to health emergencies and improve healthcare access worldwide?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: The World Health Organization (WHO). WHO was established to coordinate global health efforts, respond to health emergencies, and enhance healthcare access worldwide. It works closely with countries to support healthcare systems and improve health outcomes. The other choices are incorrect because: A: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) focuses on disease prevention and control within the United States. B: The United Nations Health Program does not exist; the correct entity is the World Health Organization. D: The World Bank Health Initiative primarily focuses on providing financial assistance for health-related projects, not coordinating global health responses.
Question 5 of 5
Which of the following events in the late 19th century led to the improvement of public sanitation systems?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: The investigation of a cholera outbreak by John Snow. John Snow's investigation in the 1850s linked a cholera outbreak to contaminated water, leading to the improvement of public sanitation systems. This event highlighted the importance of clean water sources and proper waste disposal. The other choices are incorrect because: A - The CDC was established in the 20th century and focuses on disease control and prevention but not specifically sanitation; C - The smallpox vaccine was developed much earlier and is unrelated to public sanitation systems; D - The Affordable Care Act, passed in 2010, primarily addresses healthcare accessibility and affordability, not sanitation improvements.