ATI Community Health Exam (2026/2027) | QUESTIONS AND
CORRECT ANSWERS RATED A+
ATI Community Health Nursing Examination | Core Domains: Epidemiology & Biostatistics, Health
Promotion & Disease Prevention, Vulnerable Populations, Environmental Health, Community
Assessment, Disaster Preparedness & Response, Home Health Nursing, Public Health Policy,
Interprofessional Collaboration, and Ethical/Legal Considerations in Community Health | Public Health
Nursing Focus | Comprehensive Nursing Assessment Format
Exam Structure
The ATI Community Health Exam for the 2026/2027 academic cycle is a 60-question, multiple-choice
examination.
Introduction
This ATI Community Health Exam preparation guide for the 2026/2027 academic year reflects
contemporary public health nursing principles and population-focused care. The content emphasizes
health equity, cultural competency, community-based interventions, and the nurse's role in promoting
health at the family, group, and population levels across diverse community settings.
Answer Format
All correct answers and public health nursing actions must be presented in bold and green, followed by
detailed rationales incorporating epidemiological principles, levels of prevention, social determinants of
health, and evidence-based community intervention strategies.
1.
A community health nurse is conducting a windshield survey. Which data should the nurse prioritize
collecting?
A. Local restaurant menus
B. Availability of sidewalks and parks
C. Political affiliations of residents
D. Number of private vehicles per household
B. Availability of sidewalks and parks
Rationale (Community Assessment / Social Determinants): Windshield surveys assess community
infrastructure that supports health, such as safe walking areas and recreational spaces. These
environmental factors influence physical activity and obesity rates. Political views and vehicle counts are
not primary health indicators. Public health nurses use this data to identify assets and barriers to health
promotion.
,2.
During a measles outbreak, a school nurse identifies that 15% of students are unvaccinated. What is the
nurse’s priority action?
A. Distribute flyers about vaccine safety to all parents
B. Exclude unvaccinated students from school
C. Report cases to the local health department
D. Offer on-site vaccination clinics
C. Report cases to the local health department
Rationale (Epidemiology / Reportable Diseases): Measles is a nationally notifiable disease. Mandatory
reporting enables public health officials to track outbreaks, implement containment measures, and
coordinate resources. While education and vaccination are important, reporting is the legal and
immediate priority per public health law.
3.
A community health nurse is planning a primary prevention program for cardiovascular disease. Which
intervention is most appropriate?
A. Teaching post-MI patients about medication adherence
B. Offering free blood pressure screenings at a senior center
C. Conducting smoking cessation classes for adolescents
D. Providing cardiac rehabilitation referrals
C. Conducting smoking cessation classes for adolescents
Rationale (Levels of Prevention): Primary prevention targets healthy individuals to prevent disease onset.
Smoking is a major modifiable risk factor for CVD; preventing initiation in youth is primary prevention.
Blood pressure screening is secondary prevention. Medication adherence and rehab are tertiary.
4.
Which population is most vulnerable to lead poisoning?
A. Adolescents working in construction
B. Pregnant women in rural areas
C. Children under 6 years living in older housing
, D. Elderly adults in long-term care
C. Children under 6 years living in older housing
Rationale (Environmental Health / Vulnerable Populations): Young children absorb lead more
efficiently and are more susceptible to neurotoxic effects. Older homes (pre-1978) may contain lead-based
paint. Public health nurses prioritize home assessments and education in high-risk communities to reduce
exposure.
5.
A nurse is using the epidemiological triangle to investigate a foodborne illness outbreak. Which element
represents the agent?
A. Contaminated lettuce
B. Salmonella bacteria
C. Food handler with poor hygiene
D. Community picnic setting
B. Salmonella bacteria
Rationale (Epidemiology): The epidemiological triangle consists of Agent (pathogen), Host (human), and
Environment (context). Salmonella is the biological agent. Lettuce is the vehicle, the handler is part of the
environment, and the picnic is the setting.
6.
During a hurricane response, a community health nurse establishes a shelter for displaced residents.
Which action aligns with the role of public health nursing?
A. Administering IV fluids to dehydrated clients
B. Coordinating mental health support and chronic disease management
C. Performing surgical wound care
D. Prescribing antibiotics for infections
B. Coordinating mental health support and chronic disease management
Rationale (Disaster Preparedness / Population Focus): Public health nurses address population-level
needs during disasters, including continuity of care for chronic conditions (e.g., diabetes, hypertension)
and psychological first aid. They collaborate with agencies but do not typically provide acute clinical
interventions like IV therapy or surgery.
CORRECT ANSWERS RATED A+
ATI Community Health Nursing Examination | Core Domains: Epidemiology & Biostatistics, Health
Promotion & Disease Prevention, Vulnerable Populations, Environmental Health, Community
Assessment, Disaster Preparedness & Response, Home Health Nursing, Public Health Policy,
Interprofessional Collaboration, and Ethical/Legal Considerations in Community Health | Public Health
Nursing Focus | Comprehensive Nursing Assessment Format
Exam Structure
The ATI Community Health Exam for the 2026/2027 academic cycle is a 60-question, multiple-choice
examination.
Introduction
This ATI Community Health Exam preparation guide for the 2026/2027 academic year reflects
contemporary public health nursing principles and population-focused care. The content emphasizes
health equity, cultural competency, community-based interventions, and the nurse's role in promoting
health at the family, group, and population levels across diverse community settings.
Answer Format
All correct answers and public health nursing actions must be presented in bold and green, followed by
detailed rationales incorporating epidemiological principles, levels of prevention, social determinants of
health, and evidence-based community intervention strategies.
1.
A community health nurse is conducting a windshield survey. Which data should the nurse prioritize
collecting?
A. Local restaurant menus
B. Availability of sidewalks and parks
C. Political affiliations of residents
D. Number of private vehicles per household
B. Availability of sidewalks and parks
Rationale (Community Assessment / Social Determinants): Windshield surveys assess community
infrastructure that supports health, such as safe walking areas and recreational spaces. These
environmental factors influence physical activity and obesity rates. Political views and vehicle counts are
not primary health indicators. Public health nurses use this data to identify assets and barriers to health
promotion.
,2.
During a measles outbreak, a school nurse identifies that 15% of students are unvaccinated. What is the
nurse’s priority action?
A. Distribute flyers about vaccine safety to all parents
B. Exclude unvaccinated students from school
C. Report cases to the local health department
D. Offer on-site vaccination clinics
C. Report cases to the local health department
Rationale (Epidemiology / Reportable Diseases): Measles is a nationally notifiable disease. Mandatory
reporting enables public health officials to track outbreaks, implement containment measures, and
coordinate resources. While education and vaccination are important, reporting is the legal and
immediate priority per public health law.
3.
A community health nurse is planning a primary prevention program for cardiovascular disease. Which
intervention is most appropriate?
A. Teaching post-MI patients about medication adherence
B. Offering free blood pressure screenings at a senior center
C. Conducting smoking cessation classes for adolescents
D. Providing cardiac rehabilitation referrals
C. Conducting smoking cessation classes for adolescents
Rationale (Levels of Prevention): Primary prevention targets healthy individuals to prevent disease onset.
Smoking is a major modifiable risk factor for CVD; preventing initiation in youth is primary prevention.
Blood pressure screening is secondary prevention. Medication adherence and rehab are tertiary.
4.
Which population is most vulnerable to lead poisoning?
A. Adolescents working in construction
B. Pregnant women in rural areas
C. Children under 6 years living in older housing
, D. Elderly adults in long-term care
C. Children under 6 years living in older housing
Rationale (Environmental Health / Vulnerable Populations): Young children absorb lead more
efficiently and are more susceptible to neurotoxic effects. Older homes (pre-1978) may contain lead-based
paint. Public health nurses prioritize home assessments and education in high-risk communities to reduce
exposure.
5.
A nurse is using the epidemiological triangle to investigate a foodborne illness outbreak. Which element
represents the agent?
A. Contaminated lettuce
B. Salmonella bacteria
C. Food handler with poor hygiene
D. Community picnic setting
B. Salmonella bacteria
Rationale (Epidemiology): The epidemiological triangle consists of Agent (pathogen), Host (human), and
Environment (context). Salmonella is the biological agent. Lettuce is the vehicle, the handler is part of the
environment, and the picnic is the setting.
6.
During a hurricane response, a community health nurse establishes a shelter for displaced residents.
Which action aligns with the role of public health nursing?
A. Administering IV fluids to dehydrated clients
B. Coordinating mental health support and chronic disease management
C. Performing surgical wound care
D. Prescribing antibiotics for infections
B. Coordinating mental health support and chronic disease management
Rationale (Disaster Preparedness / Population Focus): Public health nurses address population-level
needs during disasters, including continuity of care for chronic conditions (e.g., diabetes, hypertension)
and psychological first aid. They collaborate with agencies but do not typically provide acute clinical
interventions like IV therapy or surgery.
