Which major public health legislation passed in 1965 led to the creation of Medicare and Medicaid in the United States?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: The Social Security Act. This legislation was passed in 1935, not 1965, and it did indeed lay the foundation for the creation of Medicare and Medicaid. The Affordable Care Act was passed in 2010, making choice A incorrect. Choice C, the National Health Service Act, is a UK legislation, not related to Medicare and Medicaid in the US. Choice D, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, was passed in 1996 and primarily focused on healthcare information privacy and security, not the establishment of Medicare and Medicaid.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Improvement of water and waste disposal systems. The sanitation movement in the 19th century focused on improving public health by implementing better water and waste disposal systems. This helped reduce the spread of waterborne diseases such as cholera and typhoid. Smallpox vaccination (A) was not directly related to the sanitation movement. Antibiotics (B) were developed later in the 20th century and were not a major focus of the sanitation movement. The creation of the World Health Organization (D) occurred in the 20th century and was not a direct outcome of the sanitation movement.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Joseph Lister. Joseph Lister is known for pioneering the use of antiseptics in surgery by introducing carbolic acid as a disinfectant to sterilize surgical instruments and clean wounds. His work significantly reduced post-operative infections. Edward Jenner is known for developing the smallpox vaccine, not antiseptics. Louis Pasteur is known for pasteurization and germ theory, not specifically for antiseptics in surgery. Ignaz Semmelweis discovered the importance of handwashing in preventing infections, but he did not pioneer the use of antiseptics in surgery like Joseph Lister did.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: The founding of the World Health Organization (WHO). In 1948, WHO was established as a specialized agency of the United Nations, dedicated to promoting global health. The creation of WHO marked a major milestone in global health efforts because it provided a platform for international cooperation, coordination, and advocacy on health issues. The other choices are incorrect because: A: The creation of the United Nations in 1945 focused on international peace and security, not specifically on global health. C: The introduction of the polio vaccine occurred in 1955 by Jonas Salk, which was a significant event but happened after 1948. D: The Health for All Declaration was adopted by WHO in 1978, emphasizing the goal of achieving health for all by the year 2000, making it not the correct answer for the international event in 1948.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: The Medicare and Medicaid Act. This legislation, passed in the 1960s, established both Medicare for the elderly and Medicaid for low-income individuals. Medicare provides health coverage for individuals aged 65 and older, while Medicaid offers coverage for those with low incomes. The Affordable Care Act (A) was passed in 2010 and expanded access to healthcare but was not the key legislation in the 1960s. The Social Security Act (C) was passed in the 1930s and primarily focused on providing retirement benefits. The Medicaid Act (B) is not a standalone legislation and is part of the Medicare and Medicaid Act.