Chapter 6 Economic Influences on Population Health

Chapter 6   Economic Influences on Population Health

Complete Chapter Questions With Answers

Sample Questions Are Posted Below

1) The population health nurse is reviewing information to include in a presentation on the economics of health care. Which statements should the nurse include in this presentation?
(Select all that apply.)

1. Health insurance guarantees a healthy workforce.
2. Educational level is associated with health outcomes.
3. Society benefits from an employed and healthy workforce.
4. Chronic illness in a stable workforce does not impact productivity.
5. Lost productivity from illness has minimal effect on societal outcomes.

Answer:  2, 3

Explanation:  2. The higher the educational level, the higher the societal productivity, which leads to better health outcomes through informed health choices. Health affects the national economic welfare, so an employed and healthy workforce is necessary for an economically healthy society. Chronic illness in a stable workforce impacts productivity, as people with chronic diseases may take more time off for the chronic illness. Lost productivity from illness has a direct effect on societal outcomes. Health insurance does not guarantee a healthy workforce as the insurance may be limiting in coverage or expensive to purchase.

3. The higher the educational level, the higher the societal productivity, which leads to better health outcomes through informed health choices. Health affects the national economic welfare, so an employed and healthy workforce is necessary for an economically healthy society. Chronic illness in a stable workforce impacts productivity, as people with chronic diseases may take more time off for the chronic illness. Lost productivity from illness has a direct effect on societal outcomes. Health insurance does not guarantee a healthy workforce as the insurance may be limiting in coverage or expensive to purchase.

Nursing/Int.Conc:  Nursing Process: Planning

Client Need:  Health Promotion and Maintenance

Cognitive Level:  Application

Learning Outcome:  6-1

2) The population health nurse learns that the state of practice received a block grant to address a health problem. Which problem should the nurse advocate to receive this grant?

1. Developing public education programs to address smoking.
2. Developing a research program to address causes of poverty.
3. Increasing coverage for those meeting qualifications for Medicaid coverage.
4. Opening statewide immunization centers to provide childhood immunization coverage.

Answer:  4

Explanation:  4. A block grant is a sum of money given to states by the federal government, intended to be used by each state as it sees fit but within broadly defined parameters. All choices could be potential uses for a block grant; however, opening statewide immunization centers to provide immunization coverage is the better choice because it represents a primary prevention mechanism that will protect the population from communicable diseases and improve health status. It will also not use additional health care services. Conducting research and developing education programs are appropriate, but the immunization program is an active direct-services approach. Increasing Medicaid coverage is not an appropriate use for a block grant because federal and state guidelines address Medicaid eligibility.

Nursing/Int.Conc:  Nursing Process: Assessment

Client Need:  Health Promotion and Maintenance

Cognitive Level:  Application

Learning Outcome:  6-1

3) The population nurse becomes aware of an increase in social instability in one neighborhood. This instability can affect societal health because it can lead to:

1. Poverty.
2. Social conflict.
3. Developing alternative methods of health care.
4. Ill health that results from disruptive economic conditions.

Answer:  4

Explanation:  4. While poverty can impact health, it is not a necessary outcome of social instability. Economic conditions can be disrupted as a result of social instability, which can lead to ill health because economic conditions and access to health care services can be affected. Alternative methods to health care are not dependent on social instability and can be developed at any time. Social conflict is not necessarily a result of social instability.

Nursing/Int.Conc:  Nursing Process: Evaluation

Client Need:  Health Promotion and Maintenance

Cognitive Level:  Analysis

Learning Outcome:  6-1

) The population health nurse attends a seminar on health care economics. What should the nurse realize as one of the biggest concerns influencing the economic health status of the United States?

1. Aging of citizens.
2. Declining birth rate.
3. Rise in asthma among children.
4. Rise of adolescent mental health problems.

Answer:  1

Explanation:  1. Factors that have contributed to increasing health care spending include an aging population. An aging population contributes to greater demand for and use of services, particularly as the prevalence of chronic diseases with high costs for disease management increases in older age groups. The size of the older population relative to other age groups in the United States has increased consistently over the last several decades. People over age 65 consume a large portion of the health care services provided each year. The birth rate in the United States is not declining and while there are concerns about adolescent mental health problems and the rise of childhood asthma, these do not represent immediate priority concerns regarding the economic health status.

Nursing/Int.Conc:  Nursing Process: Assessment

Client Need:  Safe and Effective Care Environment

Cognitive Level:  Analysis

Learning Outcome:  6-2