Which public health milestone in the 20th century led to the global eradication of a deadly disease?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: The smallpox eradication campaign. This milestone in the 20th century led to the global eradication of the deadly disease smallpox. The campaign involved widespread vaccination efforts and surveillance to identify and contain outbreaks. Smallpox was officially declared eradicated in 1980 by the World Health Organization. The other choices are incorrect because: A: The development of the first flu vaccine did not lead to the global eradication of a deadly disease. B: While the global polio vaccination program has been successful in reducing polio cases, it has not yet led to global eradication. D: The discovery of penicillin revolutionized medicine by introducing the first antibiotic, but it did not lead to the eradication of a specific deadly disease.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: The World Health Organization (WHO). Founded in 1948, WHO is the primary international organization dedicated to public health. It coordinates global health initiatives, sets health standards, and responds to health emergencies. The other choices are incorrect because: B: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is a US-based agency focusing on disease control within the country. C: The United Nations Health Program does not exist; there is the World Health Organization within the UN. D: The International Red Cross primarily focuses on humanitarian aid and disaster relief, not public health coordination.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C) Medicaid. The Elizabethan Poor Law of 1601 ensured medical care for individuals who were poor, blind, or disabled, similar to how Medicaid provides healthcare coverage for low-income individuals and families in the United States today. This historical context highlights the evolution of social welfare policies aimed at providing healthcare to those in need. Option A, Welfare, is incorrect because welfare programs typically focus on financial assistance rather than specifically providing medical care. Option B, Food stamps, also does not directly relate to medical care but rather provides assistance for purchasing food. Option D, Medicare, is not the best choice as it primarily serves the elderly population, while Medicaid is specifically designed to support individuals with low income, including children, pregnant women, elderly, and people with disabilities. Understanding the historical foundations of public health nursing is crucial for healthcare professionals to appreciate the development of current healthcare policies and programs. It allows for a deeper understanding of the societal factors that have influenced the provision of healthcare services to vulnerable populations over time. This knowledge enables nurses to advocate for effective healthcare policies and contribute to improving health outcomes for all individuals in society.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In the context of early colonial America, the correct answer to the question is C) Collecting vital statistics and improving sanitation. This activity would have likely been completed by a colonist working in the public health sector during that time period. Collecting vital statistics, such as tracking births, deaths, and diseases, was crucial for understanding the health needs of the population and identifying areas for improvement. Improving sanitation practices, such as waste disposal and clean water access, was essential for preventing the spread of infectious diseases in colonial communities. Option A) Establishing schools of nursing would not have been a common practice in early colonial America, as formal nursing education programs did not emerge until much later. Option B) Developing vaccines was also unlikely during this time period, as the concept of vaccines as we understand them today did not exist. Option D) Developing public housing and almshouses was not a primary focus of early colonial public health efforts, as the emphasis was more on basic health promotion and disease prevention strategies. Understanding the historical context of public health nursing in early colonial America is important for students to grasp the evolution of public health practices over time. By learning about the activities that were relevant during this period, students can appreciate the progress made in public health and nursing education to address the changing health needs of populations.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Providing health care to seamen was an early effort by the federal government to improve public health via the Marine Hospital Service, established in 1798 to secure maritime trade. Nurses didn’t set quarantine policy (A), home care programs started later (B), and environmental improvements were broader board responsibilities (C).