Which key public health achievement in the 20th century helped to reduce the global spread of polio?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: The introduction of the polio vaccine. This achievement significantly reduced the global spread of polio by providing immunity against the virus. The vaccine was developed in the 1950s and played a crucial role in almost eradicating polio worldwide. The establishment of the CDC (B) is important for public health but did not directly target polio. Antibiotics (C) are used to treat bacterial infections, not viral diseases like polio. The development of the tuberculosis vaccine (D) is unrelated to the prevention of polio. Therefore, the introduction of the polio vaccine is the key public health achievement that directly impacted the reduction of the global spread of polio.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: The Medicare Act. This policy, introduced in the 1960s, specifically aimed to provide health insurance for elderly Americans aged 65 and older. Medicare is a federal program that helps cover healthcare costs for this demographic. A: The Social Security Act primarily focused on providing financial assistance to retirees and the disabled, not health insurance for the elderly. B: The Medicaid Act was introduced in the 1960s as well, but it provides health coverage for low-income individuals of all ages, not just the elderly. D: The Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, was signed into law in 2010 and aimed to increase access to healthcare for all Americans, not specifically targeting the elderly population in the 1960s.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: The Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA). OSHA was passed in 1970 to ensure safe and healthy working conditions by setting standards and regulations to reduce workplace hazards. This law specifically focuses on protecting workers from risks related to their job tasks. The other choices, B: The Clean Water Act, C: The Environmental Protection Agency Act, and D: The Clean Air Act, do not directly target workplace safety but rather aim to address environmental concerns such as water pollution, air pollution, and the establishment of the Environmental Protection Agency for overall environmental protection.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: The Future of Public Health Report. This report released by the Institute of Medicine in 1988 outlined the need for a comprehensive overhaul of the public health system in the United States. It emphasized the importance of shifting focus from individual health care to population health, promoting prevention, and addressing social determinants of health. Choice B: The National Health Policy Report is incorrect as it does not specifically address reform in the public health system. Choice C: The U.S. Health Reform Report is incorrect as it is a generic term and doesn't refer to a specific report by the Institute of Medicine calling for reform in the public health system. Choice D: The Healthy People 2000 Report is incorrect as it is a different report focusing on national health objectives and not specifically on reforming the public health system.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Public health nursing is known for its autonomy and independence. In many instances, there are limited other health care professionals and staff with whom to interact. In-patient acute care nurses focus on acute care with outcomes known fairly quickly (B). Acute care nurses collaborate frequently with other health care professionals (C). Depending on the position there may be more flexibility, but typically public health nurses do not receive higher wages (D).