Public Health Nursing Practice Exam

In public health nursing, which population would be classified as at risk?

1. Healthy school children

2. Teenage parents

3. Individuals attending health screenings

4. Community health educators

The correct answer is: Teenage parents

In public health nursing, identifying at-risk populations is crucial for targeting interventions and resources effectively. Teenage parents are classified as at-risk due to a combination of biological, social, and economic factors that can affect their health and the health of their children. This group often faces challenges such as limited access to education, financial instability, and social stigma, which can lead to higher rates of adverse health outcomes. In contrast, healthy school children represent a generally low-risk population, as they typically have access to healthcare and resources that contribute to good health. Individuals attending health screenings are often proactive in managing their health, suggesting they are more health-conscious and less likely to belong to a high-risk category. Community health educators are generally well-informed about health resources and may work to promote health, thus placing them in a position of advocacy rather than risk. By identifying teenage parents as an at-risk group, interventions can be tailored to support their unique needs, ultimately improving their outcomes and those of their children.