A nursing preceptor is reviewing life expectancy in the twentieth century with a new nurse. The nurse should recognize that which of the following was most responsible for the dramatic increase in life expectancy during the twentieth century.
Advances in surgical techniques and procedures
Sanitation and other public health activities
Technology increases in the field of medical laboratory research
Use of antibiotics to fight infections
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason: Advances in surgical techniques and procedures have improved the outcomes of many patients, but they are not the main factor for the increase in life expectancy. Surgical interventions are often costly, risky, and inaccessible to many people, especially in developing countries.
Choice B reason: Sanitation and other public health activities have had a significant impact on reducing mortality from infectious diseases, such as cholera, typhoid, and tuberculosis. These activities include providing safe water, improving hygiene, promoting vaccination, and controlling vector-borne diseases. Sanitation and public health measures are relatively low-cost, effective, and preventive strategies that can benefit large populations.
Choice C reason: Technology increases in the field of medical laboratory research have contributed to the diagnosis and treatment of many diseases, such as cancer, diabetes, and genetic disorders. However, these technologies are often expensive, complex, and dependent on specialized equipment and personnel. Therefore, they are not the main reason for the increase in life expectancy.
Choice D reason: The use of antibiotics to fight infections has been a major breakthrough in medicine, saving millions of lives from bacterial infections. However, antibiotics have also led to the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, which pose a serious threat to public health. Moreover, antibiotics are not effective against viral infections, such as influenza, HIV, and COVID-19. Therefore, antibiotics are not the most responsible factor for the increase in life expectancy.

Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["B","C"]
Explanation
Choice A reason: "I may experience urinary incontinence." This statement does not indicate the need for additional teaching. It is a correct statement that reflects an understanding of one of the possible symptoms of MS. Urinary incontinence is caused by nerve damage that affects bladder control.
Choice B reason: "I should not exercise because this may trigger an exacerbation." This statement indicates the need for additional teaching. It is an incorrect statement that reflects a misconception about exercise and MS. Exercise does not cause or worsen MS relapses but rather has many benefits for people with MS, such as improving muscle strength, balance, mobility, mood, and quality of life.
Choice C reason: "I should alternate the eye patch every other day to help with the double vision." This statement indicates the need for additional teaching. It is an incorrect statement that reflects a misunderstanding of how to manage double vision, which is another possible symptom of MS. Alternating the eye patch every other day does not help with double vision, but rather may cause eye fatigue or confusion. The correct way to use an eye patch is to wear it on one eye only when needed, such as when reading or driving.
Choice D reason: "I may experience visual disturbances." This statement does not indicate the need for additional teaching. It is a correct statement that reflects an awareness of another possible symptom of MS. Visual disturbances may include blurred vision, loss of color vision, pain in one eye, or partial or complete blindness.
Choice E reason: "I need to check the water temperature before I take a bath." This statement does not indicate the need for additional teaching. It is a correct statement that reflects a precaution that people with MS should take. Checking the water temperature before taking a bath can prevent burns or scalds, as some people with MS may have reduced sensation or numbness in their skin.

Correct Answer is ["B","C","D","E"]
Explanation
Choice A reason: Epidemiology interprets legislation in the community is not a statement that indicates the importance of epidemiology to the community health nurse. Epidemiology is not directly involved in interpreting legislation, but rather in providing evidence and recommendations that can inform policy-making and law-making.
Choice B reason: Epidemiology relates to the health status of a population is a statement that indicates the importance of epidemiology to the community health nurse. Epidemiology is the study of how diseases and other health-related factors are distributed and determined in populations. It helps the community health nurse to identify and monitor health problems, trends, and disparities in different groups and areas.
Choice C reason: Epidemiology analyzes and examines the root causes of health outcomes is a statement that indicates the importance of epidemiology to the community health nurse. Epidemiology uses various methods and tools to investigate and explain the causes and consequences of diseases and other health-related events. It helps the community health nurse to understand and address the complex and multifactorial factors that influence health, such as biological, environmental, social, behavioral, and economic factors.
Choice D reason: Epidemiology evaluates the effectiveness of nursing interventions is a statement that indicates the importance of epidemiology to the community health nurse. Epidemiology applies scientific principles and rigorous designs to assess and compare the outcomes and impacts of different interventions and programs on health. It helps the community health nurse to plan, implement, and evaluate evidence-based practices and policies that can improve health and quality of life.
Choice E reason: Epidemiology defines the burden of disease and determinants of health is a statement that indicates the importance of epidemiology to the community health nurse. Epidemiology measures and compares the frequency, severity, and impact of diseases and other health-related conditions on populations. It helps the community health nurse to prioritize and allocate resources, as well as to advocate for health equity and social justice.
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