Public Health Nursing Practice Exam

What term is used for nurses who provided care to multiple patients in their homes?

1. Private duty nurses

2. Visiting nurses

3. Public health nurses

4. Community staff nurses

The correct answer is: Visiting nurses

The term used for nurses who provide care to multiple patients in their homes is "visiting nurses." These nurses typically work in home health care settings, delivering essential services such as assessments, health education, and direct care to patients who may be recovering from surgery, managing chronic illnesses, or require support for disabilities. Visiting nurses play a vital role in the healthcare continuum by ensuring that patients receive the necessary medical attention in the comfort of their homes, which can help prevent unnecessary hospitalizations and promote better recovery outcomes. While private duty nurses provide personalized care to individuals, typically focusing on one patient at a time, visiting nurses manage multiple cases, allowing them to reach a broader segment of the population. Public health nurses focus on community health education and preventative care often on a larger scale, which may not always involve direct patient care in the home. Community staff nurses may work in various community settings and might not specifically provide home care services. Thus, the term "visiting nurses" is the most accurate descriptor for nurses caring for multiple patients in their homes.