Chapter 09: Environmental Health Risks: At Home, At Work, And In The Community Test Bank

Adults who are older than 65 years are more likely to experience an unintentional injury resulting from a fall. As people age, their balance and coordination may decline, making them more susceptible to falls. Additionally, older adults may have weaker bones and muscles, making them more prone to fractures and injuries from falls. Falls can have serious consequences for older adults, often leading to hospitalization and long-term disability. Therefore, this group is at a higher risk for unintentional injuries from falls compared to the other options given.

A client who has received a diagnosis of hypersensitivity reacts to much smaller doses of chemicals than do most people. Hypersensitivity refers to an exaggerated or abnormal reaction of the immune system to a substance, such as an allergen or chemical. This can result in symptoms ranging from mild to severe, depending on the individual and the substance involved. Therefore, option c accurately describes the most accurate description of a client with hypersensitivity.

If there is some evidence of a relationship between a substance and human health but research has not yet drawn conclusions, it would be appropriate for a public health department to advise people to be cautious. This response acknowledges the potential risk associated with the substance and encourages individuals to take precautionary measures until further research is conducted to determine the extent of the relationship. It is important for public health departments to prioritize the safety and well-being of the public and provide guidance based on the available evidence.

The ecologic systems model distinguishes between the immediate environment and the broader environment. This means that the model recognizes the importance of both the immediate surroundings of an individual, such as their family, school, and neighborhood, as well as the broader societal and cultural factors that influence their well-being. By considering both aspects, the model provides a comprehensive understanding of how various factors interact and impact an individual's health and development.

Barry Commoner's laws of ecology state that everything in the environment is interconnected and interdependent. This means that any action or change in one part of the ecosystem can have an impact on other parts. Additionally, Commoner's laws emphasize that nothing can truly disappear from the environment; everything must go somewhere, whether it is through recycling, transformation, or accumulation. These laws highlight the importance of understanding and considering the complex relationships and interconnectedness of all components of the ecosystem in order to protect and sustain the environment.

Damage from a specific chemical depends on the dose. This means that the severity of the damage caused by the chemical is directly related to the amount or concentration of the chemical that a person or organism is exposed to. The higher the dose, the greater the potential for harm. This is an important consideration in toxicology and risk assessment, as it helps determine safe exposure limits and appropriate precautions to prevent harm from chemical substances.

The Mr. Yuk educational campaign and the practice of routinely dispensing medications in childproof containers are both examples of primary prevention programs. These programs aim to prevent poisoning incidents from happening in the first place by raising awareness about the dangers of certain substances and implementing safety measures such as childproof containers. The fact that these programs have notably decreased deaths from poisoning suggests that they have been effective in achieving their goal of preventing poisoning incidents and saving lives.

The most appropriate intervention to suggest at the next nursing visit would be to advise the client to install a carbon monoxide detector in the home. This is because carbon monoxide is a colorless and odorless gas that can be deadly if inhaled in high concentrations. By installing a carbon monoxide detector, the client can be alerted to the presence of this gas in their home, allowing them to take immediate action to protect themselves and their family. This intervention is crucial in preventing future incidents of carbon monoxide poisoning.

The nurse would be most concerned about the man's safety if he often tripped over the rug in front of the sink. This behavior indicates a potential hazard in his own apartment that could lead to falls and injuries. Tripping over the rug repeatedly suggests that the man may have difficulty with balance or mobility, making him more vulnerable to accidents. The nurse should address this issue and take measures to remove or secure the rug to prevent further incidents.

European countries have less of a problem with regulating chemical toxicity than the United States because they require product manufacturers to prove that their products are safe. This means that before a chemical product can be sold and used in European countries, it must undergo rigorous testing and evaluation to ensure that it does not pose any harm to human health or the environment. This regulatory requirement helps to prevent the introduction of potentially toxic chemicals into the market, leading to a lower overall problem with chemical toxicity in European countries compared to the United States.

Noise is one of the most prevalent and noxious pollutants in modern America because it can have various negative effects on human health and well-being. Excessive noise can lead to sleep disturbances, stress, anxiety, and even hearing loss. It can also disrupt communication, concentration, and productivity. Noise pollution is a significant issue in urban areas, where traffic, construction, and industrial activities contribute to high levels of noise. Additionally, the constant exposure to noise can have long-term impacts on mental and physical health, making it a significant concern for public health and environmental sustainability.

The material safety data sheet is attached to the solvent used to clean the skin around wounds in order to comply with federal law. This sheet provides information about the potential effects of the chemicals used, ensuring that employees are aware of any hazards and can take necessary precautions. It is a legal requirement to ensure the safety and well-being of the employees working with these chemicals.

The creation of safe water purification and sewer systems marked the beginning of the most outstanding improvements in public health because it addressed the major causes of waterborne diseases and improved sanitation. Access to clean and safe water prevented the spread of diseases such as cholera and typhoid, while proper disposal of waste through sewer systems reduced the risk of contamination. This development had a significant impact on public health by reducing mortality rates and improving overall hygiene and living conditions.

An ergonomist is most likely to perform the activity of designing equipment for the interface of humans, their tools, and work activities. Ergonomics is the study of designing and arranging things people use so that the people and things interact most efficiently and safely. This includes designing equipment that is comfortable, easy to use, and minimizes the risk of injuries or strain on the human body. Therefore, an ergonomist focuses on designing equipment that promotes optimal human performance and well-being in the workplace.

Supporting programs for waste reduction and recycling represents primary prevention because it aims to prevent the occurrence of environmental pollution and its associated health risks. By promoting waste reduction and recycling, the nurse is actively working towards reducing the amount of waste generated in the community, which can help prevent pollution and its negative effects on the health of community members. This action focuses on addressing the root cause of the problem and preventing it from happening in the first place, rather than just managing the symptoms or consequences.

The correct answer is d. Reporting health problems to employers and keeping health records confidential. Occupational health nurses have a responsibility to report health problems to employers in order to ensure a safe working environment. At the same time, they must also maintain confidentiality of health records to protect the privacy of employees. This demonstrates the need to balance the legal requirement of reporting with the ethical obligation to protect individual privacy.

The correct answer is a. Assessing for hazardous materials in the home and suggesting that these materials be kept in a locked cabinet over the refrigerator. This is a secondary prevention measure because it focuses on reducing the risk of poisoning after the hazardous materials are already present in the home. By assessing for these materials and suggesting that they be kept in a locked cabinet, the nurse is taking steps to prevent the toddler from accessing them and potentially being poisoned. This measure aims to increase the safety of the family by reducing the likelihood of a poisoning incident occurring.

The nurse would document information about the client's home, work site, and neighborhood during an exposure assessment. This is important because these environments can potentially expose the client to various hazards or risks that may impact their health. By documenting this information, the nurse can identify potential sources of exposure and develop appropriate interventions or recommendations to minimize any potential harm to the client's health.

Screening all children who are living in poverty is the most appropriate secondary prevention approach when a nurse is working in a community with known high lead levels. This approach targets a specific population that is at higher risk due to their socioeconomic status. By screening all children living in poverty, the nurse can identify those who may have elevated lead levels and provide early interventions and treatment. This approach is more comprehensive and inclusive compared to the other options, as it focuses on the population that is most vulnerable to lead exposure.

The term environmental justice refers to the recognition that environmental risks are disproportionately high for low-income and minority populations who live in more highly polluted neighborhoods. This means that these communities face a higher burden of environmental pollution and its associated health risks compared to wealthier and predominantly white communities. Environmental justice seeks to address this inequity and ensure that all individuals, regardless of their socioeconomic status or race, have equal access to a clean and healthy environment.

An appropriate primary intervention in relation to burns would be to encourage the client's family to install a smoke detector. This is because smoke detectors can help alert individuals to potential fires in their home, giving them the opportunity to evacuate and prevent burns or other injuries. By installing a smoke detector, the family can increase their chances of early detection and response to fire hazards, reducing the risk of burns.