Public Health Nursing Practice Exam

When implementing health teaching at the systems-level of practice, what action would a public health nurse take?

1. Advocating for increased taxes on tobacco products

2. Participating in community health fairs

3. Providing counseling to smokers

4. Working with employers for smoking cessation education

The correct answer is: Working with employers for smoking cessation education

When implementing health teaching at the systems-level of practice, the action of working with employers for smoking cessation education is most aligned with the concept of systems-level intervention. This approach focuses on modifying and influencing the larger organization structures, policies, and practices that impact health outcomes within a community. By collaborating with employers, public health nurses can create a workplace environment that supports behavior change, facilitates access to resources, and implements educational programs aimed at reducing smoking among employees. This not only addresses individual behavior but also integrates health promotion into the workplace culture, amplifying the impact of health education efforts. Engaging with employers allows public health nurses to advocate for systemic changes that encourage healthier lifestyles, thereby contributing to broader population health improvements. This action reflects an understanding of the interplay between individual choices and the structural factors that shape those choices, a foundational principle in public health nursing practice. The other options, while valuable, tend to focus more on individual education or community-level interventions rather than targeting systemic change. For instance, advocating for increased taxes on tobacco products is a policy-level action but does not directly involve the education component at the systems level. Participating in community health fairs and providing counseling to smokers are important roles of public health nurses but engage more directly with individuals and communities