Chapter 6 Epidemiology: The Science of Prevention
1. Which was the leading cause of death in the United States in 1900?
A) Major cardiovascular-renal disease
B) Influenza and pneumonia
C) Tuberculosis
D) Gastritis, duodenitis, enteritis, and colitis
Ans: A
Feedback:
The leading cause of death in 1900 was major cardiovascular-renal disease followed by influenza and
pneumonia; tuberculosis; and gastritis, duodenitis, enteritis, and colitis.
Origin: Chapter 6- Epidemiology- The Science of Prevention, 2
2. Who first described pulmonary tuberculosis in detail?
A) Hippocrates of Cos
B) Aretaeus the Cappadocian
C) Claudius Galen
D) Susruta Ans: B Feedback:
Aretaeus the Cappadocian described pulmonary tuberculosis in detail. Hippocrates of Cos was the
first to record the relationship of the external environment to the health of individuals. Claudius
Galen described the four humors, introduced many drugs derived from plants, and was the first to
describe smallpox. Susruta was a Brahmin physician who associated malaria with the mosquito.
Origin: Chapter 6- Epidemiology- The Science of Prevention, 3
3. Who is considered the first epidemiologist?
A) Hippocrates of Cos
B) Aretaeus the Cappadocian
C) Claudius Galen
D) Susruta Ans: A Feedback:
Hippocrates of Cos was the first to record the relationship of the external environment to the health
of individuals and is considered the first epidemiologist. Aretaeus the Cappadocian described
pulmonary tuberculosis in detail. Claudius Galen described the four humors, introduced many drugs
derived from plants, and was the first to describe smallpox. Susruta was a Brahmin physician who
associated malaria with the mosquito.
Page 1
, Origin: Chapter 6- Epidemiology- The Science of Prevention, 4
4. Which occurs in the epidemiologic process that is similar to the diagnosis phase of the nursing
process?
A) Data are gathered from reliable sources
B) Healthcare needs and assets are identified
C) Goals and objectives for care are established
D) A tentative hypothesis is formulated
Ans: D
Feedback:
During the diagnosis phase of the epidemiologic process, a tentative hypothesis is formulated. During
the assessment phase of the epidemiologic process, data are gathered from reliable sources. During
the diagnosis phase of the nursing process, healthcare needs and assets are identified and goals and
objectives for care are established.
Origin: Chapter 6- Epidemiology- The Science of Prevention, 5
5. Who in the history of epidemiology developed mortality surveillance systems, addressed basic
epidemiologic concepts, and is considered the founder of modern statistics?
A) William Farr
B) John Graunt
C) Florence Nightingale
D) John Snow Ans: A Feedback:
William Farr is considered the father of modern statistics. John Graunt analyzed weekly reports of
births and deaths. Florence Nightingale used statistics to improve public health in England. John
Snow performed epidemiologic research on transmission of cholera using natural experiments,
mapping, and rates.
Page 2
1. Which was the leading cause of death in the United States in 1900?
A) Major cardiovascular-renal disease
B) Influenza and pneumonia
C) Tuberculosis
D) Gastritis, duodenitis, enteritis, and colitis
Ans: A
Feedback:
The leading cause of death in 1900 was major cardiovascular-renal disease followed by influenza and
pneumonia; tuberculosis; and gastritis, duodenitis, enteritis, and colitis.
Origin: Chapter 6- Epidemiology- The Science of Prevention, 2
2. Who first described pulmonary tuberculosis in detail?
A) Hippocrates of Cos
B) Aretaeus the Cappadocian
C) Claudius Galen
D) Susruta Ans: B Feedback:
Aretaeus the Cappadocian described pulmonary tuberculosis in detail. Hippocrates of Cos was the
first to record the relationship of the external environment to the health of individuals. Claudius
Galen described the four humors, introduced many drugs derived from plants, and was the first to
describe smallpox. Susruta was a Brahmin physician who associated malaria with the mosquito.
Origin: Chapter 6- Epidemiology- The Science of Prevention, 3
3. Who is considered the first epidemiologist?
A) Hippocrates of Cos
B) Aretaeus the Cappadocian
C) Claudius Galen
D) Susruta Ans: A Feedback:
Hippocrates of Cos was the first to record the relationship of the external environment to the health
of individuals and is considered the first epidemiologist. Aretaeus the Cappadocian described
pulmonary tuberculosis in detail. Claudius Galen described the four humors, introduced many drugs
derived from plants, and was the first to describe smallpox. Susruta was a Brahmin physician who
associated malaria with the mosquito.
Page 1
, Origin: Chapter 6- Epidemiology- The Science of Prevention, 4
4. Which occurs in the epidemiologic process that is similar to the diagnosis phase of the nursing
process?
A) Data are gathered from reliable sources
B) Healthcare needs and assets are identified
C) Goals and objectives for care are established
D) A tentative hypothesis is formulated
Ans: D
Feedback:
During the diagnosis phase of the epidemiologic process, a tentative hypothesis is formulated. During
the assessment phase of the epidemiologic process, data are gathered from reliable sources. During
the diagnosis phase of the nursing process, healthcare needs and assets are identified and goals and
objectives for care are established.
Origin: Chapter 6- Epidemiology- The Science of Prevention, 5
5. Who in the history of epidemiology developed mortality surveillance systems, addressed basic
epidemiologic concepts, and is considered the founder of modern statistics?
A) William Farr
B) John Graunt
C) Florence Nightingale
D) John Snow Ans: A Feedback:
William Farr is considered the father of modern statistics. John Graunt analyzed weekly reports of
births and deaths. Florence Nightingale used statistics to improve public health in England. John
Snow performed epidemiologic research on transmission of cholera using natural experiments,
mapping, and rates.
Page 2
