Public Health Nursing Practice Exam

What action best describes intervention at the systems-level of practice for a public health nurse?

1. Involve the entire community in solving health problems

2. Change laws, policies, and practices that influence population-based issues

3. Provide outreach services to populations at risk

4. Conduct health assessments in the community

The correct answer is: Change laws, policies, and practices that influence population-based issues

The action that best describes intervention at the systems-level of practice for a public health nurse is changing laws, policies, and practices that influence population-based issues. This approach directly targets and modifies the underlying frameworks that shape public health outcomes. By advocating for changes in legislation or organizational policies, public health nurses can create environments that support healthier choices and access to care for entire populations. This level of intervention is essential because it addresses systemic barriers to health, ensuring that the needs of populations are met through structured frameworks rather than solely addressing individual behavior or isolated health concerns. It also fosters sustainability in health initiatives by embedding health considerations into policies and practices that govern community health. Other options, while valuable, focus more on community engagement or direct service. Involving the community in solving health problems emphasizes collaboration but may not have the same widespread impact as changing laws and policies. Providing outreach services to populations at risk and conducting health assessments are important for targeted help but do not shift the systems that influence health at a broader scale. Thus, the focus on policy and structural change positions this intervention as a powerful method for promoting health equity and improving population health outcomes.