Public Health Nursing Practice Exam

Which of the following trends is NOT a challenge for public health nurses in the twenty-first century?

1. Rising health disparities

2. Poverty reduction

3. Drug-resistant pathogens

4. Violence in the community

The correct answer is: Poverty reduction

One of the major challenges facing public health nurses in the twenty-first century includes rising health disparities. These disparities are driven by a variety of factors including socioeconomic status, geography, and access to healthcare services. Public health nurses must address the inequities in health outcomes and access to care that disproportionately affect certain populations. Drug-resistant pathogens pose another significant challenge as they complicate the treatment of infections and require public health interventions to focus on prevention and control strategies. Violence in the community also remains a critical public health issue necessitating nurses to engage in violence prevention programs and community health initiatives. In contrast, poverty reduction is not considered a direct challenge for public health nurses in the same way as the other trends listed. While poverty is a socio-economic factor that contributes to health disparities, the act of reducing poverty is more often viewed as a broader societal goal, rather than a specific challenge that public health nurses face in their daily practice. Public health nurses may support efforts related to poverty reduction but they typically engage with the immediate health implications and intricacies of the other challenges indicated.