Foundations for Population Health in Community/Public Health Nursing, 6th Edition stanhope CHAPTER 3

ANS: B - Since the tragedy of September 11, 2001, health departments have increasingly focused on emergency preparedness and response. In case of an emergency event, state and local health departments in the affected area will be expected to collect data and accurately report the situation, to respond appropriately to any type of emergency, and to ensure the safety of the residents of the immediate area, while protecting those just outside the danger zone. This goal—to enable public health agencies to anticipate, prepare for, recognize, and respond to terrorist threats or natural disasters—has required an unprecedented level of interstate and federal-local planning and cooperation among these agencies. Demonstrating outcomes and decreasing overlap of services are both important factors to consider; however, this is not the reason why increased collaboration has occurred. There has not been an increase in taxpayer complaints or unhappiness that has caused these changes to occur.

ANS: A, C, D, E - Several social trends that influence health care include changing lifestyles, a growing appreciation of the quality of life, the changing composition of families and living patterns, changing household incomes, and a revised definition of quality health care. People often spend a considerable amount of their own money for these types of therapies because few are covered by insurance. It is obvious that the gap between the richest and poorest is widening because of the percent wage increase in the higher income levels. Americans spend considerable money on health care, nutrition, and fitness, because health is seen as an irreplaceable commodity. To be healthy, people must take care of themselves.