Which statement best describes what has happened to air quality since the United States outlawed the use of chlorofluorocarbons, halons, and carbon tetrachloride?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: These chemicals, which were in widespread use, remain in the atmosphere. Thus, air quality has not improved. This is a global concern and is being addressed worldwide by the World Health Organization.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: By placing responsibility for the cause and cure of health problems exclusively on the individuals, the belief is reinforced that all individuals are free to control their lives. Such a perspective absolves society, government, industry, and business from accountability. Research suggests that changing individual behaviors does not lead to significant reductions in overall morbidity and morality in the absence of basic social, economic, and political changes. Thus, the nurse must include information in the presentation that addresses the need to improve air quality.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Participatory action research calls for nurses, community members, and other resource people to work together in identifying health problems, designing the studies, collecting and analyzing the data, disseminating the results, and posing solutions to the problems. The research process (use of control groups, randomization, and using a predetermined hypothesis) is part of participatory action research.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The National Center for Environmental Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the American Public Health Association have established three core competencies for Environmental Health professionals: (1) assessment, (2) management, and (3) communication. Assurance, policy development, and advocacy are not part of the core environmental health competencies.