Public Health Nursing Practice Exam

During the Crimean War, what approach did Nightingale adopt to improve soldiers' health?

1. A clinical focus on individual patient care

2. A population-based approach

3. A military-focused nursing strategy

4. A psychological support strategy

The correct answer is: A population-based approach

Florence Nightingale's approach during the Crimean War was notable for its emphasis on a population-based strategy to improve the health of soldiers. Rather than focusing solely on individual patient care, Nightingale recognized the importance of the broader environment in which patients were treated. She implemented systemic changes aimed at reducing mortality rates through improved sanitation, proper nutrition, and adequate medical care in the barracks. Nightingale collected and analyzed data on soldiers' health, which highlighted the connection between unsanitary living conditions and disease spread. Her use of statistics to advocate for reforms exemplified her belief that addressing the health of the population as a whole was crucial for improving outcomes. This approach laid the groundwork for the field of public health nursing, where the idea of health extends beyond the individual, taking into account factors such as environment, community health, and prevention. In contrast, other potential strategies mentioned would not have effectively addressed the widespread issues at hand during that period. A clinical focus on individual patient care would not have tackled the systemic problems of overcrowding and unsanitary conditions. A military-focused nursing strategy might have leaned more toward organizational logistics rather than public health. A psychological support strategy, while important, would not have directly solved the immediate health crises caused by physical health