Public Health Nursing Practice Exam

Which example illustrates the components needed for an epidemiologic triangle?

1. Pesticides, water, food.

2. Lead, mercury, soil.

3. Trichloroethylene, water, infants.

4. Children under 12, elderly, temperature.

The correct answer is: Trichloroethylene, water, infants.

The epidemiologic triangle is a model used to understand the relationship between three key components: the agent, the host, and the environment. In the correct choice, trichloroethylene serves as the agent, which is a chemical compound that can cause health issues in humans. The host in this scenario is represented by infants, who are particularly vulnerable to exposure to harmful toxins. The environmental aspect is indicated by water, which can be a pathway for the agent to reach the host, highlighting how environmental factors can affect health outcomes. This choice effectively captures the interplay between these components, illustrating how an agent (trichloroethylene) can impact a specific population (infants) through a particular medium (water). Understanding this dynamic is crucial for public health nursing, as it guides interventions aimed at reducing exposure and preventing disease. Other choices do not encapsulate all three components of the epidemiologic triangle effectively. For instance, the first choice lists pesticides, water, and food but does not specify a host, which is essential. The second option includes lead, mercury, and soil but similarly lacks a clear host component. The last choice mentions children under 12, the elderly, and temperature, but it does not identify a specific agent or environmental factor that