190+ Original Practice Questions & Answers with Detailed Rationales | Public
Health Nursing Study Guide, Epidemiology, Health Promotion, Disease
Prevention, Community Assessment & Clinical Judgment
SECTION 1: COMMUNITY HEALTH NURSING FOUNDATIONS (Questions 1-25)
Question 1
A community health nurse is conducting a windshield survey in an urban neighborhood. Which
observation would be categorized as a biological determinant of health?
A. Presence of a community garden with fresh produce
B. High rate of asthma among school-aged children
C. Limited access to public transportation
D. Unemployment rate of 12% among residents
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Biological determinants include genetic predisposition and physiological factors. Asthma prevalence
reflects the biological health status of the population, distinct from environmental or social
determinants.
,Question 2
A nurse is explaining the concept of herd immunity to a group of parents at a community center. Which
statement indicates that a parent correctly understands this concept?
A. "My child is protected because I received all my vaccines as a child."
B. "If most children are vaccinated, even unvaccinated children have less risk of infection."
C. "Herd immunity means everyone in the community must be vaccinated."
D. "Natural infection provides better herd immunity than vaccination."
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Herd immunity occurs when a sufficient proportion of the population is immune, reducing disease
transmission and protecting those who cannot be vaccinated.
Question 3
A community health nurse is assessing a rural community with a population of 3,500 residents. The
nurse notes there is no obstetric care within 50 miles. This situation best exemplifies which concept?
,A. Health disparity
B. Medical desert
C. Health equity
D. Cultural competence
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
A medical desert refers to geographic areas with inadequate access to healthcare services, including
obstetric care, forcing residents to travel significant distances for treatment.
Question 4
During a community assessment, a nurse identifies that several families lack safe housing and reliable
transportation. Using Maslow's hierarchy, which level of need should the nurse prioritize?
A. Self-actualization
B. Esteem needs
C. Safety and security
D. Love and belonging
Correct Answer: C
, Explanation:
Safe housing and transportation address physiological and safety needs, which are foundational
priorities before higher-level psychological and self-fulfillment needs can be addressed.
Question 5
A community health nurse is developing a program to address obesity in a low-income neighborhood.
Which intervention demonstrates primary prevention?
A. Screening residents for diabetes and hypertension
B. Providing nutrition education and cooking classes
C. Referring obese residents to weight management clinics
D. Monitoring blood glucose levels in at-risk individuals
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Primary prevention focuses on preventing disease before it occurs. Nutrition education and cooking
classes aim to prevent obesity rather than detect or treat existing conditions.
Question 6