Public Health Nursing Practice Exam

Which type of data should a public health nurse collect regarding the biological aspects of community health?

1. Race/ethnicity

2. Policy making and social change

3. Homicide rates

4. Traditional morbidity and mortality rates

The correct answer is: Traditional morbidity and mortality rates

The focus on collecting traditional morbidity and mortality rates is crucial for a public health nurse as these data provide essential insight into the health status of the community. Morbidity rates indicate the prevalence of diseases and health conditions, while mortality rates reflect the frequency of deaths within a population due to various health issues. Together, these statistics help to identify significant health problems, prioritize resources, and develop targeted interventions aimed at improving community health outcomes. Understanding traditional morbidity and mortality rates allows public health nurses to assess the effectiveness of health programs, monitor trends over time, and advocate for necessary policy changes. This data is foundational for informing health assessments and guiding evidence-based practices that can lead to better health outcomes for the community. In contrast, while race/ethnicity, policy-making, and social change all play significant roles in influencing health outcomes, they do not directly pertain to the biological aspects of community health in the same quantitative manner as morbidity and mortality rates. Homicide rates, while important for understanding safety and crime in a community, are more reflective of social issues rather than biological health status. Therefore, focusing on traditional morbidity and mortality rates is key for public health nursing practice.