Public Health Nursing Practice Exam

To begin investigating obesity in school-age children at the national level, where should community-oriented nurses start gathering information?

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

2. Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services

3. Health Resources and Services Administration

4. National Institute of Nursing Research

The correct answer is: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Starting with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is the most appropriate choice for gathering information on obesity in school-age children at the national level. The CDC is a leading public health agency that collects, analyzes, and disseminates health data related to various issues, including obesity. Their comprehensive databases and reports provide valuable statistics on obesity prevalence, trends, and health risks associated with obesity in different demographics, including school-age children. Additionally, the CDC conducts national health surveys, such as the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) and the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), which offer insights into obesity rates, dietary habits, and physical activity levels among children. This rich data source is critical for community-oriented nurses who want to develop effective interventions and public health strategies to combat obesity in this population. In contrast, while the other agencies mentioned may have relevant information, their primary focuses differ. The Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services deal primarily with health insurance programs rather than direct health data collection. The Health Resources and Services Administration is more focused on improving access to healthcare services rather than specific public health metrics like obesity. Meanwhile, the National Institute of Nursing Research primarily focuses on nursing-related research rather than epidemiological data on childhood obesity.