A public health nurse is participating in a research study to determine how virulent a new virus is. Which of the following mortality measures should the nurse use to calculate this data?
Cause-specific mortality rate
Age-specific mortality rate*
Proportionate mortality
Case fatality
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A Reason:
The cause-specific mortality rate measures the number of deaths attributed to a specific cause within a population during a given time period. While this measure is useful for understanding the impact of a particular disease on a population, it does not directly indicate the virulence of a virus. Virulence refers to the severity or harmfulness of a disease, which is better captured by the case fatality rate.
Choice B Reason:
The age-specific mortality rate calculates the number of deaths within specific age groups in a population. This measure helps identify age-related mortality trends but does not provide information about the virulence of a virus. Age-specific mortality rates are more useful for understanding the impact of diseases across different age demographics rather than assessing the severity of a new virus.
Choice C Reason:
Proportionate mortality refers to the proportion of deaths in a population attributable to a specific cause relative to all deaths. This measure helps in understanding the relative importance of different causes of death but does not directly measure the virulence of a virus. Proportionate mortality is more about the distribution of causes of death rather than the severity of a particular disease.
Choice D Reason:
Case fatality rate (CFR) is the most appropriate measure for determining the virulence of a new virus. CFR is calculated by dividing the number of deaths caused by the disease by the number of diagnosed cases of the disease, then multiplying by 100 to get a percentage. This measure directly indicates the lethality of the virus by showing the proportion of diagnosed cases that result in death. It is a critical indicator for assessing the severity and potential impact of a new infectious disease.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Working with the floor manager to decide on some light duty work for a nurse aide who is recovering from a broken ankle
This intervention is an example of tertiary prevention. Tertiary prevention aims to manage and rehabilitate individuals with existing health conditions to prevent further complications and improve their quality of life. By arranging light duty work, the nurse helps the aide continue working while accommodating their recovery, thus preventing further injury and promoting rehabilitation.
Choice B reason: Conducting an in-service on using the new patient lift device to prevent back injuries in the nursing staff
This intervention is an example of primary prevention. Primary prevention aims to prevent diseases or injuries before they occur by reducing exposure to hazards. Conducting training on using patient lift devices helps prevent back injuries among the nursing staff by promoting safe handling techniques.
Choice C reason: Screening the staff for Tuberculosis (TB) exposure
This intervention is an example of secondary prevention. Secondary prevention aims to detect and treat diseases early to halt their progression. Screening for TB exposure helps identify infected individuals early, allowing for timely treatment and preventing the spread of the disease.
Choice D reason: Administering the annual flu vaccine to the employees
This intervention is also an example of primary prevention. Administering flu vaccines helps prevent the onset of influenza by boosting the immune system's ability to fight the virus. Vaccination is a proactive measure to reduce the incidence of flu among employees.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Local ordinances are important for shaping the built environment, as they dictate land use, zoning, and building codes. However, they are not a core feature of the built environment assessment tool itself. Instead, they are external factors that influence the built environment.
Choice B Reason:
Financial stability is crucial for the overall well-being of a community, but it is not a direct feature of the built environment assessment tool. Financial stability impacts the resources available for community development and maintenance but does not directly assess the physical environment.
Choice C Reason:
The community at large refers to the broader population and social dynamics within a community. While understanding the community is essential for comprehensive assessments, the built environment assessment tool focuses more on physical and infrastructural elements rather than social aspects.
Choice D Reason:
Walkability is a core feature of the built environment assessment tool. Walkability assesses how friendly an area is to walking, considering factors such as the presence of sidewalks, pedestrian crossings, and the proximity of amenities. High walkability is associated with numerous health benefits, including increased physical activity and reduced risk of chronic diseases. It is a critical component in evaluating the built environment's impact on community health.
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