Which report states that nurses should practice to the full extent of their education and training?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The Future of Nursing report contains four key messages. One of the key messages is that nurses should practice to the full extent of their education and training. Unequal Treatment: Confronting Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Health Care addresses potential causes of disparities in health care. Keeping Patients Safe: Transforming the Work Environment addresses critical quality and safety issues with a particular focus on nursing care and nurses, and examines these issues from the perspective of the work environment. Priority Areas for National Action identified 19 priority areas that should be addressed to improve quality.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: State governments focus particularly on financing and delivery of services and oversight of insurance. The state is responsible for addressing the mission of public health-assessment, policy development, and assurance - throughout the state. Tasks include assessment of health needs based on statewide data collection; establishment of statewide health objectives; and delegating power to localities as appropriate and holding them accountable. States license health professionals as part of the statewide effort to develop and maintain essential personnel. Creating managed health organizations and establishing and managing local health departments are not a main responsibility of the state.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Local health departments are responsible for the health needs of their constituents. Community health services include surveillance and immunizations, as well as health education programs. Environmental health services on the local level include inspection of food-processing plants and restaurants and control of waste, air, noise, and water pollution. Local health departments protect the environment through such activities as inspecting wells and public swimming pools. Ensuring quality of nursing education programs and continuing competence of health professions are both state functions.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Alternative or complementary therapies are expanding because of consumer demand although reimbursement for these services is lagging. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine is currently researching their effects on health and disease. Training and licensure requirements vary widely. Many nurses have incorporated alternative therapies into their practice and seek more continuing education on such care.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The local health department is responsible for monitoring the health status and meeting the health needs of their constituents. This includes identifying unmet needs and taking actions to meet these needs. Most services to groups and individuals are provided at the local level. These services fall into the following four major categories: Community health services include control of communicable disease such as surveillance and immunizations, maternal-child health programs, nutrition services, and education; environmental health services include food hygiene such as inspection of food-producing and food-processing plants and restaurants; protection from hazardous substances; control of waste, air, noise, and water pollution; and occupational health; personal health services provide care to individuals and families in clinics, schools, and correctional institutions; mental health services are provided through community-based mental health care.