The nurse is providing education on epidemiology to a nursing student. Which of the following statements indicates the importance of epidemiology to the community health nurse? SELECT ALL THAT APPLY

Choice A reason: Mitral valve disease is not a disorder that makes clients especially vulnerable to ozone effects, as it does not affect the respiratory system. Mitral valve disease is a condition that affects the mitral valve, which is the valve that separates the left atrium and the left ventricle of the heart. Mitral valve disease can cause the valve to become narrow (stenosis) or leaky (regurgitation), affecting the blood flow and oxygen delivery to the body. Mitral valve disease can cause symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue, chest pain, palpitations, and swelling of the legs.

Choice B reason: Asthma is a disorder that makes clients especially vulnerable to ozone effects, as it affects the respiratory system. Asthma is a chronic inflammatory condition that causes the airways to become narrow, swollen, and sensitive to triggers such as allergens, irritants, infections, or exercise. Asthma can cause symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and difficulty breathing. Ozone is a gas that is formed when sunlight reacts with pollutants in the air. Ozone can irritate the lungs and worsen asthma symptoms by causing inflammation, bronchoconstriction, and mucus production. Ozone can also reduce lung function and increase the risk of respiratory infections.

Choice C reason: Nasal polyps are not a disorder that makes clients especially vulnerable to ozone effects, as they do not affect the respiratory system. Nasal polyps are benign growths that form in the lining of the nose or sinuses. Nasal polyps can cause symptoms such as nasal congestion, runny nose, postnasal drip, loss of smell or taste, headache, and snoring. Nasal polyps are usually associated with chronic inflammation or allergies, but their exact cause is unknown.

Choice D reason: Seasonal allergies are not a disorder that makes clients especially vulnerable to ozone effects, as they do not affect the respiratory system. Seasonal allergies are allergic reactions that occur during certain times of the year when pollen or mold spores are high in the air. Seasonal allergies can cause symptoms such as sneezing, itching, watery eyes, runny nose, and sore throat. Seasonal allergies are caused by an overreaction of the immune system to harmless substances in the environment.

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.