A community health nurse is calculating the top three causes of death in a county. Which of the following mortality measures should the nurse use to obtain this data?
Proportionate mortality
Crude mortality rate
Cause-specific mortality rate
Case fatality
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A: Proportionate Mortality
Proportionate mortality refers to the proportion of deaths in a specified population over a period of time attributable to different causes. It is expressed as a percentage of the total number of deaths. While this measure can provide insight into the relative importance of different causes of death, it does not give the actual mortality rate for each cause. Therefore, it is not the best measure for identifying the top three causes of death in a county.
Choice B: Crude Mortality Rate
The crude mortality rate is the total number of deaths from all causes per 1,000 or 100,000 population in a given year. This measure provides an overall picture of the mortality level in a population but does not specify the causes of death. It is useful for general mortality trends but not for identifying specific causes of death.
Choice C: Cause-Specific Mortality Rate
The cause-specific mortality rate is the number of deaths from a specific cause per 100,000 population in a given year. This measure is the most appropriate for identifying the top three causes of death because it provides detailed information on the mortality rate for each specific cause. By calculating the cause-specific mortality rates, the nurse can determine which causes are the most significant contributors to mortality in the county.
Choice D: Case Fatality
Case fatality refers to the proportion of individuals diagnosed with a particular disease who die from that disease within a specified period. It is usually expressed as a percentage. While case fatality provides information on the severity of a disease, it does not give the overall mortality rate for the population or help identify the top causes of death.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: "Although I live in the country, my neighbor takes me shopping each week. It takes about 10 minutes for us to drive to the nearest grocery store."
This statement indicates that the client has access to a grocery store within a reasonable driving distance, even though they rely on a neighbor for transportation. While this situation may present some challenges, it does not fit the definition of a food desert, which is characterized by limited access to affordable and nutritious food.
Choice B reason: "Sometimes I get food from the Salvation Army food pantry that is about a half a mile from my house."
This statement suggests that the client has access to a food pantry relatively close to their home. While relying on food pantries can indicate food insecurity, it does not necessarily mean the client lives in a food desert. Food deserts are defined by the lack of access to grocery stores that provide fresh and nutritious food.
Choice C reason: "I am able to walk to a grocery store that is 5 blocks away from my apartment."
This statement indicates that the client has convenient access to a grocery store within walking distance. This accessibility does not align with the characteristics of a food desert, where residents typically have to travel long distances to reach a grocery store.
Choice D reason: "I cannot always afford ride-share services to get to the nearest store, which is 30 minutes away from where I live."
This statement fits the definition of a food desert. The client has to travel a significant distance to reach the nearest grocery store and faces financial barriers to accessing transportation. This limited access to grocery stores that provide fresh and nutritious food is a key characteristic of food deserts.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
My community is struggling with high morbidity due to heart health, so this initiative has merit. This statement indicates a clear understanding of the Million Hearts initiative, which aims to prevent heart attacks and strokes by improving cardiovascular health. Recognizing the high morbidity due to heart health issues in the community aligns with the initiative's goals, making it a suitable and beneficial program to implement.
Choice B Reason:
These initiative strategies are still in the experimental stage and have questionable merit in practice. This statement is incorrect because the Million Hearts initiative is a well-established program with proven strategies to reduce cardiovascular disease. It is not in the experimental stage and has demonstrated effectiveness in various communities.
Choice C Reason:
It is a local initiative and should not be used outside my state. This statement is incorrect as the Million Hearts initiative is a national program in the United States, designed to be implemented across different states and communities. It is not restricted to any specific locality and can be adapted to meet the needs of various populations.
Choice D Reason:
I will need to get a doctor's order or directive from the community health lead before considering outside initiatives. While collaboration with healthcare providers and community leaders is important, this statement does not reflect an understanding of the initiative itself. The Million Hearts initiative can be implemented by various stakeholders, including nurses, without requiring a specific directive from a doctor or community health lead.
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