Public Health Nursing Practice Exam

Which nursing action best exemplifies advocacy?

1. Offering a smoking cessation program

2. Screening for hypertension

3. Lobbying for health care reform

4. Conducting home visits

The correct answer is: Lobbying for health care reform

Advocacy in nursing involves actions that support the health and well-being of individuals, communities, and populations. The option that best exemplifies advocacy is involvement in lobbying for health care reform. This action goes beyond individual patient care, focusing on systemic change to improve access, quality, and equity within the health care system. By advocating for policy changes, nurses can influence legislation and practices that positively impact community health, making their role vital in shaping healthier environments and improving public health outcomes. In contrast, offering a smoking cessation program, screening for hypertension, and conducting home visits are essential nursing actions that contribute to patient care and health promotion. However, these actions primarily focus on direct patient interaction and service delivery rather than addressing broader systemic issues and promoting change at a policy level. Advocacy specifically aims for change that can benefit larger populations, which is why lobbying for health care reform best represents this concept.