Public Health Nursing Practice Exam

What was an effect of the use of block grants in public health financing?

1. Reduction of federal expenditures.

2. Decreased ability of states to spend money on programming.

3. Guaranteed continuation of programs with demonstrated effectiveness.

4. Shift from hospital-based to community-based nursing care.

The correct answer is: Reduction of federal expenditures.

The effect of the use of block grants in public health financing is best illustrated by the reduction of federal expenditures. Block grants allocate a fixed amount of funding to states for specific purposes, giving them flexibility in how to spend the money. This often leads to less federal oversight and, in some cases, a decrease in overall federal funding for public health initiatives. As states have the autonomy to manage these funds, they may not always use them for public health priorities as intended, which can result in a lower overall investment from the federal government. In contrast, the other options suggest effects that either don't align with the nature of block grants or misinterpret their implications. The decreased ability of states to spend money on programming is not accurate, as block grants are designed to provide flexibility rather than constraints. A guaranteed continuation of programs with demonstrated effectiveness does not typically occur, as funding can vary depending on state priorities and fiscal conditions. Finally, while there has been a general trend towards community-based care, this is influenced by many factors beyond block grants alone, making it not a direct effect of their implementation.