Public Health Nursing Practice Exam

Which ethical tenet pertains to the competency of those developing community health assessment?

1. Service to others over self

2. Do no harm

3. Competency

4. Moral character

The correct answer is: Competency

The ethical tenet that pertains to the competency of those developing community health assessments is centered on the idea that professionals involved in this process must possess the necessary skills, knowledge, and expertise to accurately assess and address the health needs of the community. Competency ensures that practitioners are not only aware of the best practices and guidelines but also able to apply them effectively in real-world situations. In the context of community health assessments, this means that those responsible must understand data interpretation, community engagement, and the socio-economic factors influencing health. It also implies that they should engage in continuous education and training to keep their skills up-to-date, ensuring that the interventions and assessments conducted are well-informed, ethical, and beneficial to the community. The other ethical principles, while important in public health, focus on different aspects of practice. Serving others involves prioritizing the needs of the community, "do no harm" emphasizes minimizing potential negative impacts, and moral character relates to the integrity and ethical behavior of individuals in their professional role. However, competency is specifically about the qualifications and capabilities of the individuals conducting the assessments, making it the most relevant tenet in this context.