NURS 340 | NURS340 Exam 4: RN Community
Health - WCU Updated and Latest Questions and
Correct Answers with Rationale
1. A community health nurse is assessing a family living in a home built in 1960. Which
environmental health intervention should be the nurse’s priority?
A. Testing the home for radon gas levels
B. Screening the children for blood lead levels
C. Installing carbon monoxide detectors on every floor
D. Checking the home’s insulation for asbestos
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Homes built before 1978 have a high probability of containing lead-based paint.
Lead poisoning can lead to significant developmental delays and neurological damage in
young children. The nurse must prioritize screening blood lead levels to identify exposure
early. Secondary prevention includes identifying the source of lead and referring the family
for remediation services. This intervention aligns with national public health goals for
environmental safety.
2. During a mass casualty incident, a nurse identifies a victim with a respiratory rate of
32/min and a delayed capillary refill. How should this victim be tagged using the START triage
system?
A. Green (Minor)
B. Yellow (Delayed)
C. Red (Immediate)
D. Black (Deceased)
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The START triage system uses respiratory rate, perfusion, and mental status to
categorize victims. A respiratory rate greater than 30 breaths per minute indicates a life-
threatening condition requiring immediate attention. Delayed capillary refill further
supports the need for a ‘Red’ tag designation. These victims are the highest priority for
transport to a medical facility for stabilization. Effective triage ensures that resources are
allocated to those with the best chance of survival through rapid intervention.
3. A nurse is working with a local community to advocate for a new policy regarding smoke-
free public parks. Which action represents the nurse’s role in policy development?
A. Lobbying state legislators to support the clean air ordinance
,B. Conducting a literature review on the effects of second-hand smoke
C. Providing direct clinical care to patients with lung cancer
D. Distributing nicotine patches at a local health fair
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Lobbying involves direct communication with policy makers to influence
legislative action on behalf of public health. Nurses serve as powerful advocates by sharing
clinical expertise and community data with legislators. This role is essential for creating
systemic changes that improve population health outcomes. Developing health policy
requires a deep understanding of the political process and stakeholder interests. Advocacy
at the legislative level is a core competency for community health nurses.
4. Which activity occurs during the ‘recovery’ phase of a disaster management cycle?
A. Conducting a community risk assessment for floods
B. Organizing a disaster drill for local hospitals
C. Performing rapid triage at the scene of the incident
D. Providing long-term mental health counseling to survivors
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The recovery phase focuses on restoring the community to its prior state or a
new normal. Providing long-term mental health support is a critical component of
addressing the psychological impact of a disaster. This phase begins after the immediate
danger has passed and may last for years. It involves rebuilding infrastructure, restoring
services, and ensuring the continued health of the population. Evaluation of the disaster
response often occurs during this period to improve future preparedness.
5. A nurse is teaching a group of migrant farm workers about pesticide safety. Which level of
prevention is being implemented?
A. Primary prevention
B. Secondary prevention
C. Tertiary prevention
D. Quaternary prevention
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Primary prevention aims to prevent the onset of injury or illness before it
occurs. Teaching workers how to use personal protective equipment (PPE) and proper
handwashing techniques reduces their risk of exposure. Education is a cornerstone of
health promotion and risk reduction in occupational settings. By addressing potential
, hazards proactively, the nurse helps maintain the health of a vulnerable population. This
intervention decreases the long-term incidence of pesticide-related health complications.
6. Which environmental health assessment tool uses the mnemonic ‘I PREPARE’ to assist
nurses in gathering a client’s environmental history?
A. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
B. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
C. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
D. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR)
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The ‘I PREPARE’ mnemonic was developed to help health professionals
systematically assess environmental exposures. It stands for Investigate, Present work,
Residence, Environmental concerns, Past work, Activities, Referrals/Resources, and
Educate. This framework ensures that all potential sources of environmental risk are
considered during a client interview. It is a vital tool for identifying links between a
patient’s symptoms and their environment. The ATSDR promotes this tool to enhance
environmental health literacy among clinicians.
7. A community health nurse is investigating an outbreak of Giardia in a rural town. Which
source should the nurse investigate first?
A. Local fast-food restaurant hygiene
B. Imported fruit from a local grocery store
C. Air quality monitoring stations
D. The municipal water supply and well water
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Giardia is a waterborne parasite commonly found in contaminated water
sources. Investigating the municipal supply and private wells is the most logical first step in
identifying the source of the outbreak. Contamination often occurs when surface water or
sewage enters the drinking water system. The nurse must collaborate with environmental
health specialists to test water samples. Identifying and treating the source is essential for
preventing further transmission in the community.
8. Which ethical principle is most applied when a community health nurse ensures that
resources are distributed fairly across different socioeconomic groups?
A. Autonomy
B. Beneficence
C. Distributive Justice
Health - WCU Updated and Latest Questions and
Correct Answers with Rationale
1. A community health nurse is assessing a family living in a home built in 1960. Which
environmental health intervention should be the nurse’s priority?
A. Testing the home for radon gas levels
B. Screening the children for blood lead levels
C. Installing carbon monoxide detectors on every floor
D. Checking the home’s insulation for asbestos
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Homes built before 1978 have a high probability of containing lead-based paint.
Lead poisoning can lead to significant developmental delays and neurological damage in
young children. The nurse must prioritize screening blood lead levels to identify exposure
early. Secondary prevention includes identifying the source of lead and referring the family
for remediation services. This intervention aligns with national public health goals for
environmental safety.
2. During a mass casualty incident, a nurse identifies a victim with a respiratory rate of
32/min and a delayed capillary refill. How should this victim be tagged using the START triage
system?
A. Green (Minor)
B. Yellow (Delayed)
C. Red (Immediate)
D. Black (Deceased)
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The START triage system uses respiratory rate, perfusion, and mental status to
categorize victims. A respiratory rate greater than 30 breaths per minute indicates a life-
threatening condition requiring immediate attention. Delayed capillary refill further
supports the need for a ‘Red’ tag designation. These victims are the highest priority for
transport to a medical facility for stabilization. Effective triage ensures that resources are
allocated to those with the best chance of survival through rapid intervention.
3. A nurse is working with a local community to advocate for a new policy regarding smoke-
free public parks. Which action represents the nurse’s role in policy development?
A. Lobbying state legislators to support the clean air ordinance
,B. Conducting a literature review on the effects of second-hand smoke
C. Providing direct clinical care to patients with lung cancer
D. Distributing nicotine patches at a local health fair
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Lobbying involves direct communication with policy makers to influence
legislative action on behalf of public health. Nurses serve as powerful advocates by sharing
clinical expertise and community data with legislators. This role is essential for creating
systemic changes that improve population health outcomes. Developing health policy
requires a deep understanding of the political process and stakeholder interests. Advocacy
at the legislative level is a core competency for community health nurses.
4. Which activity occurs during the ‘recovery’ phase of a disaster management cycle?
A. Conducting a community risk assessment for floods
B. Organizing a disaster drill for local hospitals
C. Performing rapid triage at the scene of the incident
D. Providing long-term mental health counseling to survivors
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The recovery phase focuses on restoring the community to its prior state or a
new normal. Providing long-term mental health support is a critical component of
addressing the psychological impact of a disaster. This phase begins after the immediate
danger has passed and may last for years. It involves rebuilding infrastructure, restoring
services, and ensuring the continued health of the population. Evaluation of the disaster
response often occurs during this period to improve future preparedness.
5. A nurse is teaching a group of migrant farm workers about pesticide safety. Which level of
prevention is being implemented?
A. Primary prevention
B. Secondary prevention
C. Tertiary prevention
D. Quaternary prevention
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Primary prevention aims to prevent the onset of injury or illness before it
occurs. Teaching workers how to use personal protective equipment (PPE) and proper
handwashing techniques reduces their risk of exposure. Education is a cornerstone of
health promotion and risk reduction in occupational settings. By addressing potential
, hazards proactively, the nurse helps maintain the health of a vulnerable population. This
intervention decreases the long-term incidence of pesticide-related health complications.
6. Which environmental health assessment tool uses the mnemonic ‘I PREPARE’ to assist
nurses in gathering a client’s environmental history?
A. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
B. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
C. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
D. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR)
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The ‘I PREPARE’ mnemonic was developed to help health professionals
systematically assess environmental exposures. It stands for Investigate, Present work,
Residence, Environmental concerns, Past work, Activities, Referrals/Resources, and
Educate. This framework ensures that all potential sources of environmental risk are
considered during a client interview. It is a vital tool for identifying links between a
patient’s symptoms and their environment. The ATSDR promotes this tool to enhance
environmental health literacy among clinicians.
7. A community health nurse is investigating an outbreak of Giardia in a rural town. Which
source should the nurse investigate first?
A. Local fast-food restaurant hygiene
B. Imported fruit from a local grocery store
C. Air quality monitoring stations
D. The municipal water supply and well water
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Giardia is a waterborne parasite commonly found in contaminated water
sources. Investigating the municipal supply and private wells is the most logical first step in
identifying the source of the outbreak. Contamination often occurs when surface water or
sewage enters the drinking water system. The nurse must collaborate with environmental
health specialists to test water samples. Identifying and treating the source is essential for
preventing further transmission in the community.
8. Which ethical principle is most applied when a community health nurse ensures that
resources are distributed fairly across different socioeconomic groups?
A. Autonomy
B. Beneficence
C. Distributive Justice
