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What impact did World War I have on public health nursing?

  1. Increased number of nurses due to patriotism

  2. Enhanced healthcare funding

  3. Depletion of the nursing workforce

  4. Eradication of major diseases

The correct answer is: Depletion of the nursing workforce

The impact of World War I on public health nursing was significant, particularly in terms of its effect on the nursing workforce. During the war, many nurses were enlisted to serve in military capacities, which led to a depletion of the nursing workforce in civilian settings. This was a critical time when the demand for healthcare services was heightened due to injuries and illnesses related to the war. As many nurses left their civilian positions to care for soldiers, there was a noticeable shortage in available nursing staff to address the health needs of the general population. This created challenges for healthcare delivery and highlighted the essential role nurses play in both wartime and peacetime. The war also resulted in increased recognition of the importance of nursing as a profession, ultimately leading to advancements in nursing education and practice in the following years, but the immediate effect was a marked depletion in numbers available to serve the community.