NURS 340 | NURS340 Exam 4: RN Community
Health - WCU Updated and Latest Questions and
Correct Answers with Rationale
1. A community health nurse is educating a group of parents about lead poisoning. Which
action should the nurse identify as a primary prevention strategy?
A. Screening children’s blood lead levels at age 1 and 2.
B. Educating families on the risks of lead-based paint in homes built before 1978.
C. Providing chelation therapy for children with elevated lead levels.
D. Referring a child with neurological delays to a specialist.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Primary prevention aims to prevent the onset of a condition before it occurs.
Educating families about environmental hazards like lead-based paint removes the risk
before exposure happens. Secondary prevention would involve screening or testing to
catch early signs of poisoning. Tertiary prevention focuses on treatment and rehabilitation
for those already affected. This educational approach is a fundamental role of the
community health nurse.
2. During a mass casualty incident, a nurse is performing triage using the START system.
Which tag color should the nurse assign to a patient who is unconscious and has a respiratory
rate of 32 breaths per minute?
A. Green
B. Red
C. Yellow
D. Black
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The red tag indicates an immediate priority for patients with life-threatening
injuries who can still be saved. A respiratory rate over 30 breaths per minute is a criteria
for immediate intervention under START triage. Unconsciousness combined with
respiratory distress signifies a critical physiological state requiring urgent care. Green tags
are for the ‘walking wounded,’ while yellow is for delayed treatment. Black tags are
reserved for those who are deceased or have non-survivable injuries.
3. Which phase of disaster management involves activities such as building sea walls or
strengthening infrastructure to reduce the impact of future disasters?
A. Response
,B. Preparedness
C. Mitigation
D. Recovery
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Mitigation focuses on long-term measures taken to minimize the effects of
unavoidable disasters. Building infrastructure like sea walls is a classic example of reducing
potential community damage. Preparedness involves planning, training, and stockpiling
supplies for immediate action. Response is the immediate action taken during or right after
the event occurred. Recovery is the process of returning the community to a normal state of
functioning.
4. A nurse uses the ‘I-PREPARE’ mnemonic to assess environmental health risks. What does
the ‘E’ in the mnemonic represent?
A. Emergency response plan
B. Exposure history
C. Education of the patient
D. Environmental concerns
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The ‘I-PREPARE’ tool is used by health professionals to determine if current or
past exposures are health threats. The letter ‘E’ specifically stands for environmental
concerns at home, work, or in the community. This mnemonic helps nurses systematically
gather data about potential toxins and hazards. Understanding these concerns allows the
nurse to formulate an appropriate intervention plan. It ensures that no major category of
environmental health is overlooked during patient assessment.
5. When a community nurse works with local legislators to advocate for stricter air quality
standards, which nursing role is being performed?
A. Lobbyist/Advocate
B. Health educator
C. Case manager
D. Direct caregiver
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Nurses act as advocates when they influence policy and legislation to improve
public health. Lobbying involves direct communication with policymakers to promote
specific health-related changes. This role is crucial for addressing the social and
environmental determinants of health. By advocating for air quality, the nurse addresses
, systemic issues affecting a large population. This activity bridges the gap between clinical
practice and public health policy.
6. A home health nurse suspects radon exposure in a client’s home. Which intervention is the
most appropriate next step?
A. Recommend the client purchase a radon testing kit.
B. Advise the client to use a carbon monoxide detector.
C. Tell the client to open windows during the winter.
D. Administer oxygen to the client immediately.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Radon is a colorless, odorless gas that can seep into homes and cause lung
cancer. Because it is undetectable by human senses, a specific testing kit is required to
confirm its presence. Professional testing or home kits provide the data needed to
determine if mitigation is necessary. Carbon monoxide detectors will not detect radon gas
levels in the home. Helping clients identify this risk is a key environmental health
intervention for community nurses.
7. A community health nurse is reviewing the Air Quality Index (AQI). If the AQI is 155, which
instruction should the nurse give to sensitive populations?
A. It is safe to exercise outdoors as usual.
B. Wear a surgical mask when walking outside.
C. Keep all windows open to circulate fresh air.
D. Avoid prolonged or heavy outdoor exertion.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: An AQI between 151 and 200 is classified as ‘Unhealthy’ for the general public.
Sensitive groups, such as those with asthma or lung disease, are at even greater risk. The
nurse should advise these individuals to reduce or avoid strenuous outdoor activities.
Surgical masks are generally ineffective against the microscopic particles measured in the
AQI. Monitoring the AQI is a vital part of managing environmental triggers for respiratory
patients.
8. Which of the following describes the ‘Recovery’ phase of a disaster cycle?
A. Establishing a triage center at the scene.
B. Coordinating psychological first aid for survivors.
C. Conducting a community hazard vulnerability assessment.
D. Developing a family communication plan.
Health - WCU Updated and Latest Questions and
Correct Answers with Rationale
1. A community health nurse is educating a group of parents about lead poisoning. Which
action should the nurse identify as a primary prevention strategy?
A. Screening children’s blood lead levels at age 1 and 2.
B. Educating families on the risks of lead-based paint in homes built before 1978.
C. Providing chelation therapy for children with elevated lead levels.
D. Referring a child with neurological delays to a specialist.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Primary prevention aims to prevent the onset of a condition before it occurs.
Educating families about environmental hazards like lead-based paint removes the risk
before exposure happens. Secondary prevention would involve screening or testing to
catch early signs of poisoning. Tertiary prevention focuses on treatment and rehabilitation
for those already affected. This educational approach is a fundamental role of the
community health nurse.
2. During a mass casualty incident, a nurse is performing triage using the START system.
Which tag color should the nurse assign to a patient who is unconscious and has a respiratory
rate of 32 breaths per minute?
A. Green
B. Red
C. Yellow
D. Black
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The red tag indicates an immediate priority for patients with life-threatening
injuries who can still be saved. A respiratory rate over 30 breaths per minute is a criteria
for immediate intervention under START triage. Unconsciousness combined with
respiratory distress signifies a critical physiological state requiring urgent care. Green tags
are for the ‘walking wounded,’ while yellow is for delayed treatment. Black tags are
reserved for those who are deceased or have non-survivable injuries.
3. Which phase of disaster management involves activities such as building sea walls or
strengthening infrastructure to reduce the impact of future disasters?
A. Response
,B. Preparedness
C. Mitigation
D. Recovery
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Mitigation focuses on long-term measures taken to minimize the effects of
unavoidable disasters. Building infrastructure like sea walls is a classic example of reducing
potential community damage. Preparedness involves planning, training, and stockpiling
supplies for immediate action. Response is the immediate action taken during or right after
the event occurred. Recovery is the process of returning the community to a normal state of
functioning.
4. A nurse uses the ‘I-PREPARE’ mnemonic to assess environmental health risks. What does
the ‘E’ in the mnemonic represent?
A. Emergency response plan
B. Exposure history
C. Education of the patient
D. Environmental concerns
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The ‘I-PREPARE’ tool is used by health professionals to determine if current or
past exposures are health threats. The letter ‘E’ specifically stands for environmental
concerns at home, work, or in the community. This mnemonic helps nurses systematically
gather data about potential toxins and hazards. Understanding these concerns allows the
nurse to formulate an appropriate intervention plan. It ensures that no major category of
environmental health is overlooked during patient assessment.
5. When a community nurse works with local legislators to advocate for stricter air quality
standards, which nursing role is being performed?
A. Lobbyist/Advocate
B. Health educator
C. Case manager
D. Direct caregiver
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Nurses act as advocates when they influence policy and legislation to improve
public health. Lobbying involves direct communication with policymakers to promote
specific health-related changes. This role is crucial for addressing the social and
environmental determinants of health. By advocating for air quality, the nurse addresses
, systemic issues affecting a large population. This activity bridges the gap between clinical
practice and public health policy.
6. A home health nurse suspects radon exposure in a client’s home. Which intervention is the
most appropriate next step?
A. Recommend the client purchase a radon testing kit.
B. Advise the client to use a carbon monoxide detector.
C. Tell the client to open windows during the winter.
D. Administer oxygen to the client immediately.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Radon is a colorless, odorless gas that can seep into homes and cause lung
cancer. Because it is undetectable by human senses, a specific testing kit is required to
confirm its presence. Professional testing or home kits provide the data needed to
determine if mitigation is necessary. Carbon monoxide detectors will not detect radon gas
levels in the home. Helping clients identify this risk is a key environmental health
intervention for community nurses.
7. A community health nurse is reviewing the Air Quality Index (AQI). If the AQI is 155, which
instruction should the nurse give to sensitive populations?
A. It is safe to exercise outdoors as usual.
B. Wear a surgical mask when walking outside.
C. Keep all windows open to circulate fresh air.
D. Avoid prolonged or heavy outdoor exertion.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: An AQI between 151 and 200 is classified as ‘Unhealthy’ for the general public.
Sensitive groups, such as those with asthma or lung disease, are at even greater risk. The
nurse should advise these individuals to reduce or avoid strenuous outdoor activities.
Surgical masks are generally ineffective against the microscopic particles measured in the
AQI. Monitoring the AQI is a vital part of managing environmental triggers for respiratory
patients.
8. Which of the following describes the ‘Recovery’ phase of a disaster cycle?
A. Establishing a triage center at the scene.
B. Coordinating psychological first aid for survivors.
C. Conducting a community hazard vulnerability assessment.
D. Developing a family communication plan.
