Environmental Health Stanhope: Public Health Nursing: Population-Centered Health Care in the Community, 10th Edition

Chapter 06: Environmental Health Stanhope: Public Health Nursing: Population-Centered Health Care in the Community, 10th Edition MULTIPLE CHOICE 1. Why is it important for nurses to understand the premises of environmental health? a. Nurses should be able to assess risks and advocate for policies that support healthy environments. b. Toxicologists often consult nurses about environmental pollutants. c. Pollutant exposures such as lead are reported by nurses to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). d. Many Americans live in areas that do not meet current national air quality standards. ANS: A Potential risks to health are concerns for professional nurses. It is the responsibility of the nurse to understand as much as possible about these risks: how to assess them, how to eliminate/reduce them, how to communicate and educate about them, and how to advocate for policies that support healthy environments. Toxicologists do not often consult nurses about environmental pollutants. Pollutant exposures are not routinely reported by nurses. Although there may be problems with air quality standards in the United States, this would not be the primary reason why nurses should understand environmental health. DIF: Cognitive level: Understanding TOP: Nursing process: Evaluation MSC: NCLEX: Safe and Effective Care Environment: Safety and Infection Control 2. Why is it important for a nurse to have knowledge of environmental health and the effects of chemical, biological, and radiological materials? a. They are a major cause of global warming. b. They are often found in the air, water, and products we use. c. They are frequently linked to the development of chronic illnesses. d. They are products that nurses work with daily. ANS: B Chemical, biological, and radiological pollutants are often found in the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the products we use. These are not a major cause of global warming. They are not frequently linked to the development of chronic illnesses. These are not products that nurses work with daily. DIF: Cognitive level: Understanding TOP: Nursing process: Assessment MSC: NCLEX: Health Promotion and Maintenance 3. A nurse fulfills the environmental health competency of “assessment and referral.” Which of the following actions has the nurse most likely completed? a. Advocating for public policy changes b. Understanding policy framework and major pieces of legislation c. Completing an environmental health history d. Describing the scientific principles about environmental health ANS: C Assessment and referral states that all nurses should be able to successfully complete an environmental health history, recognize the potential environmental hazards and sentinel illnesses, and make appropriate referrals for conditions with probable environmental causes. Advocating for public policy changes is part of advocacy. Understanding policy framework and legislation is part of legislation and regulation. Describing the scientific principles of environmental health is part of basic knowledge and concepts. DIF: Cognitive level: Analyzing TOP: Nursing process: Implementation MSC: NCLEX: Safe and Effective