Week 2: Health Policy Flashcards
A public health nurse is addressing health inequalities in a community. Which policy approach best aligns with addressing the root causes of these inequalities?
A. Implementing universal healthcare coverage
B. Offering free gym memberships to individuals with chronic illnesses
C. Increasing taxes on tobacco products
D. Establishing food banks in low-income neighborhoods
Answer: A
Rationale: Universal healthcare addresses systemic inequalities by ensuring equitable access to health services for all individuals, tackling a root cause of health disparities.
A nurse is advocating for policies that target upstream determinants of health. Which intervention best exemplifies this approach?
A. Providing free smoking cessation programs
B. Increasing funding for affordable housing
C. Offering health education workshops
D. Conducting free health screenings for diabetes
Answer: B
Rationale: Affordable housing addresses social determinants of health, such as stability and safety, which are upstream factors influencing health outcomes.
When assessing the health impact of a new urban policy, which indicator should the nurse prioritize?
A. The rate of hospital readmissions
B. Participation rates in fitness programs
C. The number of community health clinics
D. Changes in the community’s employment rate
Answer: D
Rationale: Employment rate is a critical social determinant of health and a strong indicator of the broader impacts of urban policies on health inequalities.
A nurse is evaluating a policy aimed at reducing health disparities. Which outcome best indicates policy success?
A. Increased funding for tertiary healthcare services
B. Improved awareness of health disparities among healthcare providers
C. Decreased incidence of preventable diseases in low-income populations
D. Increased utilization of emergency rooms by underserved groups
Answer: C
Rationale: Reducing preventable diseases in low-income populations reflects the effectiveness of policies targeting health inequalities.
A nurse working on health equity focuses on structural determinants of health. Which initiative aligns with this focus?
A. Expanding vaccination programs for rural communities
B. Advocating for minimum wage increases
C. Providing health literacy workshops
D. Offering free annual check-ups for seniors
Answer: B
Rationale: Increasing minimum wage addresses structural determinants by improving financial stability and reducing poverty, thereby improving health equity.
A nurse is consulting on policies to address childhood obesity. Which approach is an example of a redistributive policy?
A. Subsidizing healthy meals for low-income families
B. Mandating physical education in schools
C. Running public awareness campaigns on healthy eating
D. Establishing weight-loss clinics in urban areas
Answer: A
Rationale: Subsidizing healthy meals redistributes resources to low-income families, reducing disparities in access to nutritious food.
When analyzing a policy’s impact on health inequalities, the nurse considers the policy’s reach. What should the nurse assess?
A. The economic cost of implementing the policy
B. The ease of integrating the policy into existing systems
C. The level of public support for the policy
D. The population groups most affected by the policy
Answer: D
Rationale: Assessing which population groups are impacted determines whether the policy effectively reduces health inequalities.
A public health nurse is reviewing a policy proposal focused on reducing inequities in healthcare access. Which strategy demonstrates the principle of proportionate universalism?
A. Providing healthcare services exclusively to marginalized communities
B. Prioritizing urban areas for healthcare resource allocation
C. Offering basic healthcare access to all, with enhanced support for disadvantaged groups
D. Limiting healthcare resources to high-risk individuals
Answer: C
Rationale: Proportionate universalism ensures universal access while focusing additional efforts on those who need it most.
A nurse is reviewing a new policy aimed at improving access to primary care for rural populations. Which action aligns with addressing structural determinants of health?
A. Increasing the number of rural health clinics through federal grants
B. Providing telehealth services for urban populations
C. Offering free parking at urban hospitals
D. Mandating annual health screenings for individuals in urban areas
Answer: A
Rationale: Expanding rural health clinics targets structural inequities by addressing geographic barriers to primary care.
A public health nurse evaluates a policy promoting access to green spaces in urban areas. Which metric best measures the policy’s success in reducing health disparities?
A. Number of trees planted annually
B. Reduction in stress-related illnesses among low-income groups
C. Increase in community participation in park clean-up initiatives
D. Expansion of green spaces in high-income neighborhoods
Answer: B
Rationale: Measuring health outcomes, such as reduced stress-related illnesses, demonstrates the policy’s effectiveness in improving health equity among disadvantaged populations.
A nurse is promoting health equity in a community with limited access to healthy foods. Which policy initiative aligns with upstream interventions?
A. Providing vouchers for fresh produce at local farmers’ markets
B. Offering nutrition education workshops at schools
C. Screening for malnutrition in community clinics
D. Establishing urban gardens in food deserts
Answer: D
Rationale: Establishing urban gardens is an upstream intervention that addresses systemic barriers to healthy food access.
Which health promotion strategy from the Ottawa Charter focuses on encouraging supportive relationships within a community?
A. Build healthy public policy
B. Strengthen community action
C. Create supportive environments
D. Develop personal skills
Answer: C
Rationale: Creating supportive environments aligns with fostering relationships and providing resources to improve community health.
A nurse is teaching a patient about quitting smoking using the Health Belief Model. Which approach is most appropriate?
A. Educating about the dangers of smoking to increase perceived severity
B. Providing free nicotine replacement therapy
C. Demonstrating relaxation techniques for stress management
D. Encouraging participation in a community support group
Answer: A
Rationale: The Health Belief Model focuses on altering perceptions, such as increasing awareness of risks to motivate behavior change.
A nurse is assessing a new health policy aimed at reducing hospital readmissions. Which criterion is most relevant for evaluating the policy’s effectiveness?
A. Public acceptability
B. Measurable outcomes
C. Historical precedents
D. Feasibility of implementation
Answer: B
Rationale: Measurable outcomes are essential for determining whether a policy achieves its intended health goals.
When addressing violence prevention using the Social-Ecological Model, what is an example of a community-level intervention?
A. Conducting individual counseling sessions
B. Teaching children conflict resolution skills
C. Strengthening local neighborhood watch programs
D. Enforcing workplace harassment policies
Answer: C
Rationale: Community-level interventions focus on strengthening social networks and group-based resources.
