Public Health Nursing Practice Exam

Which approach(s) can a nurse use when assessing environmental health risks?

1. Ask legislators to provide a list of environmental pollutants in the area

2. Develop a list of exposures associated with urban, rural, or suburban settings

3. Assess the risk by medium such as air, water, soil, or food

4. Divide the environment into functional locations: home, school, workplace, and community

The correct answer is: Develop a list of exposures associated with urban, rural, or suburban settings

The chosen response highlights a proactive method for assessing environmental health risks by categorizing exposures based on different settings—urban, rural, or suburban. This approach is essential because environmental factors vary significantly across different geographical and socioeconomic landscapes. By developing a list of exposures specific to these settings, the nurse can better identify potential health risks unique to the various environments individuals inhabit. This tailored assessment can lead to more effective interventions and health promotion strategies that take into account the distinct characteristics and health determinants in each area. In contrast, simply asking legislators for a list of pollutants may not provide clinically relevant information or address the specific local exposures that individuals may face. Assessing risks by medium, such as air, water, soil, or food, while useful, is a more generalized approach and may overlook the contextual factors and specific exposures related to different environments. Similarly, dividing the environment into functional locations can be beneficial but does not necessarily allow for a thorough understanding of the varying risks across different types of settings. Thus, the approach of categorizing exposures according to urban, rural, or suburban settings proves most effective for a comprehensive risk assessment in public health nursing.