Q&A | Herzing University
1. A nurse is calculating the proportion of existing diabetes cases in a community at a specific
point in time. Which epidemiologic measure is being determined?
A) Incidence
B) Prevalence
C) Mortality
D) Case fatality
Correct Answer: Prevalence
Rationale: Prevalence measures the total number of existing cases of a disease within a defined
population at a particular time or during a specified period. Incidence measures new cases,
mortality measures deaths, and case fatality measures deaths among diagnosed cases.
2. Which measure identifies the number of new cases of a disease occurring in a population
during a specified period?
A) Prevalence
B) Incidence
C) Morbidity
D) Mortality
Correct Answer: Incidence
Rationale: Incidence measures newly occurring cases and is useful for identifying the risk or rate
of developing a condition. Prevalence reflects existing cases, morbidity reflects illness and
disability, and mortality reflects deaths.
,3. A nurse compares the number of deaths from cardiovascular disease in two counties with
different population sizes. Which measure allows the most meaningful comparison?
A) Raw number of deaths
B) Mortality rate
C) Total population count
D) Number of hospitals
Correct Answer: Mortality rate
Rationale: Mortality rates account for population size and allow meaningful comparisons
between populations of different sizes. Raw death counts, total population counts, and hospital
numbers do not provide comparable rates.
4. Which term describes the number of deaths among persons diagnosed with a specific
condition?
A) Incidence rate
B) Prevalence rate
C) Case fatality rate
D) Mortality rate
Correct Answer: Case fatality rate
Rationale: The case fatality rate measures the proportion of persons diagnosed with a condition
who die from it. Incidence and prevalence rates measure disease frequency, and the mortality
rate measures deaths in the overall population.
5. A community health nurse is conducting a windshield survey. Which observation is being
made?
,A) Reviewing census data in an office
B) Driving through a neighborhood to observe housing, transportation, and resources
C) Interviewing a single patient in a clinic
D) Analyzing laboratory results
Correct Answer: Driving through a neighborhood to observe housing, transportation, and
resources
Rationale: A windshield survey involves systematic observation of a community’s physical,
social, and environmental characteristics by driving or walking through a neighborhood.
Reviewing data, interviewing one patient, and analyzing laboratory results are different
assessment methods.
6. Which finding from a windshield survey represents a community health concern?
A) Several parks are available
B) Multiple abandoned buildings with visible safety hazards
C) A community library is open
D) A clinic offers preventive services
Correct Answer: Multiple abandoned buildings with visible safety hazards
Rationale: Unsafe housing and environmental conditions, such as abandoned buildings with
visible hazards, can increase injury, crime, and other health risks. Parks, libraries, and clinics are
community strengths.
7. Which finding represents a community strength?
A) Limited access to food
B) High unemployment
, C) Multiple active community organizations
D) Poor transportation access
Correct Answer: Multiple active community organizations
Rationale: Community strengths are existing assets and resources that can support health
improvement. Limited food access, high unemployment, and poor transportation are
community challenges or needs.
8. Which source is most useful for determining population size and demographic characteristics
in a community assessment?
A) Census data
B) One patient’s medical record
C) Staff meeting minutes
D) Social media comments
Correct Answer: Census data
Rationale: Census data provide demographic information about population size, age, housing,
income, and other characteristics. A single medical record, staff meeting minutes, and social
media comments are not representative population data sources.
9. A nurse compares local disease rates with state and national rates. What is the purpose of
this comparison?
A) Determine whether the nurse should change careers
B) Identify population patterns and possible disparities
C) Eliminate the need for community assessment
D) Determine hospital employee salaries