Public Health Nursing Practice Exam

In response to complaints about elder transportation services, what function does the public health nurse serve in the community assessment?

1. Policy development.

2. Local transportation management.

3. Assurance of essential services.

4. Direct client care.

The correct answer is: Assurance of essential services.

The role of the public health nurse in community assessment, particularly in response to complaints about elder transportation services, encompasses the function of ensuring that essential services are accessible and effective for the population they serve. By focusing on assurance, the nurse evaluates the current transportation services and identifies any gaps or issues that could hinder older adults from receiving necessary transportation. This function involves assessing the adequacy of the transportation options available to elders, determining if these services are meeting their needs, and advocating for improvements or alternative solutions. This can include working collaboratively with community stakeholders to develop strategies that enhance service delivery and ensure that these vulnerable populations have the transportation they require for healthcare services and other critical appointments. While policy development may be part of the broader role of a public health nurse, this is more about influencing policies rather than directly assessing service adequacy. Local transportation management generally refers to the operational aspects of transportation services rather than the public health perspective, and direct client care focuses on individual patient encounters rather than the systemic evaluation of community services. Thus, assurance of essential services is the most appropriate function in this context.