Week 4: Environmental Health Flashcards
What is a primary focus of environmental health according to Public Health Ontario?
A. Managing genetic factors contributing to disease.
B. Assessing how air, water, and food impact health.
C. Focusing exclusively on urban population health outcomes.
D. Promoting individual behaviors to improve health.
Answer: B
Rationale: Environmental health examines how air, water, food, and physical environments influence health, positively or negatively.
Which scenario is an example of environmental injustice?
A. Equal access to clean water for all communities.
B. Limited biodiversity in a protected nature reserve.
C. High rates of asthma in affluent urban neighborhoods.
D. Disproportionate exposure of low-income communities to toxic waste.
Answer: D
Rationale: Environmental injustice occurs when marginalized populations face disproportionate exposure to pollutants and related health risks.
A nurse aims to apply the DPSEEA framework in practice. Which of the following represents the “Action” component?
A. High levels of mercury in fish near a factory.
B. Creating policies to monitor and reduce emissions.
C. Water contamination from industrial waste.
D. High rates of respiratory diseases in a local community.
Answer: B
Rationale: The “Action” component involves implementing policies and interventions to address environmental health issues.
Which of the following best defines the precautionary principle in environmental health?
A. Avoiding interventions until there is complete scientific certainty.
B. Waiting for clear evidence of harm before implementing changes
C. Focusing on cost-effective solutions regardless of potential damage.
D. Taking preventive action when there is potential for serious harm.
Answer: D
Rationale: The precautionary principle emphasizes taking preventive measures to avoid serious or irreversible harm, even in the absence of full scientific certainty.
How does environmental racism affect marginalized populations?
A. It provides equal opportunities for health improvement.
B. It increases their access to clean air and water.
C. It exposes them to higher levels of pollutants and associated diseases.
D. It ensures equitable housing conditions.
Answer: C
Rationale: Environmental racism refers to the unequal exposure of marginalized populations to environmental hazards, leading to disproportionate health burdens.
A nurse is educating a community on reducing radon exposure. What is the primary route of exposure?
A. Skin contact with contaminated water.
B. Inhalation of radon gas in indoor air.
C. Consumption of radon-contaminated food.
D. Absorption through contaminated soil.
Answer: B
Rationale: Radon exposure primarily occurs through inhalation of gas released from soil into indoor air.
Which factor most influences vulnerability to environmental hazards?
A. Living in suburban areas with moderate air quality.
B. Residing in communities with strong infrastructure.
C. Limited socioeconomic resources and poor housing conditions.
D. Access to high-quality healthcare services.
Answer: C
Rationale: Vulnerability is influenced by factors such as socioeconomic status and housing conditions, which determine exposure and ability to cope.
What outcome is most associated with exposure to smog?
A. Increased neurotoxicity.
B. Respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
C. Gastrointestinal illnesses.
D. Skin rashes and irritation.
Answer: B
Rationale: Smog contributes significantly to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases due to poor air quality.
Which strategy reflects a nursing role in promoting environmental health?
A. Ignoring broader global health concerns.
B. Educating communities about reducing waste.
C. Focusing solely on clinical care in hospitals.
D. Avoiding advocacy for environmental changes.
Answer: B
Rationale: Nurses play a crucial role in educating communities on sustainable practices to improve environmental health.
In the DPSEEA framework, what does “State” refer to?
A. The condition of the environment influenced by pressures.
B. The driving forces behind environmental health issues.
C. Direct health outcomes from exposure.
D. Policies implemented to address environmental challenges.
Answer: A
Rationale: “State” describes the condition of the environment affected by driving forces and pressures.
A nurse is developing an education program to address climate change impacts on health. Which focus aligns with the UN SDGs?
A. Reducing air pollution through community clean-up campaigns
B. Expanding vaccination programs for preventable diseases
C. Promoting sustainable agricultural practices
D. Advocating for green building designs in urban areas
Answer: C
Rationale: Promoting sustainable agricultural practices addresses SDGs related to climate action, food security, and health improvement by mitigating climate change’s effects on health
Which nursing intervention best demonstrates advocacy for environmental health?**
A. Teaching patients about emergency preparedness for heatwaves
B. Supporting a policy to transition hospitals to renewable energy sources
C. Distributing water filters to reduce exposure to contaminants
D. Encouraging individual patients to recycle
Answer: B
Rationale: Advocating for renewable energy aligns with systemic solutions that address climate change and its broad health impacts
A public health nurse collaborates with local government to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Which is an appropriate role?
A. Lobbying for policies supporting renewable energy incentives
B. Designing educational brochures on climate change
C. Planting trees in urban areas
D. Monitoring air quality data
Answer: A
Rationale: Advocacy for policy changes has a broader and more sustainable impact on reducing greenhouse gas emissions compared to individual or local initiatives
How should nurses address the disproportionate effects of climate change on vulnerable populations?
A. Conduct research on climate change impacts
B. Prioritize disaster response in wealthy neighborhoods
C. Provide health education to marginalized communities
D. Advocate for equitable distribution of resources
Answer: D
Rationale: Nurses play a critical role in advocating for equitable resource distribution to reduce health disparities exacerbated by climate change
Which initiative best supports SDG 13 (Climate Action)?
A. Educating families on healthy eating
B. Promoting urban gardening projects
C. Encouraging vaccinations in rural communities
D. Organizing weekly fitness programs
Answer: B
Rationale: Urban gardening projects reduce carbon footprints and promote sustainability, aligning with SDG 13
