Deck 11: Selected Topics

Question 1

What role does forensic epidemiology play in relation to national security?

Answer 1

Several cases of using biologic, chemical, and radiation agents have been used to harm individuals or populations for the sake of reducing voter turn-out or silencing individuals who have political influence. Forensic epidemiology uses public health, medicine, and law enforcement to investigate situations that threaten a population. Currently, the threat of terrorism and similar events creates an important role for epidemiology to study disease outbreaks which may threaten a population and originate from criminal acts. The addition of law enforcement with epidemiology makes forensic epidemiology unique and uniquely suited to support national security measures. Forensic epidemiology helps to determine if a crime is associated with the public health concern and will assist to quickly identify and possibly counter the attack that occurs. Forensic epidemiology supports national security efforts to keep the public safe from terroristic attacks.

Question 2

What is the difference between human-made and natural disasters? What role does disaster epidemiology have in these situations?

Answer 2

Disaster epidemiology is used in natural and man-made disasters to identify and manage the situation, including managing emergency programs to reduce morbidity and mortality related to the situation. A disaster is a widespread disruption of the function of a society that causes widespread losses and requires the need for external assistance. Natural events include tornados, hurricanes, earthquakes, and similar events. Man-made disasters include events caused by humans, such as acts of terrorism, the Chernobyl nuclear accident, and forest fires (not caused by lightning or similar natural causes). In the case of disasters, epidemiology works to reduce death, illness, and injury, provides timely and accurate health information to decision-makers, and improves prevention strategies for future disasters that helps with future response preparations. Disaster epidemiology has a strong role in surveillance that documents the health events associated with the disaster. For example, disaster epidemiology is playing a role in monitoring the illnesses and conditions first responders are experiencing from working in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City.

Question 3

What is the relevance of sensitivity and specificity in the development of diagnostic and screening tests?

Answer 3

Having accurate tests to identify conditions is an important part of identifying and treating individuals for conditions. Sensitivity is the likelihood that a person with the condition will be correctly identified as having the condition, and specificity is the likelihood that a person without the condition will be identified as not having the condition. This means that people will not be tested as falsely positive or falsely negative. It is important in the development of screening tests to have good specificity and sensitivity so that people who need treatment will get treatment and those who don't need treatment will not receive treatment. If the sensitivity and specificity are not adequate, then false positives and false negatives occur, leading to mistrust of the process/testing. It would also lead to increased morbidity and mortality in cases where the test did not detect the condition. In those it falsely identified as having the condition, these individuals would unnecessarily receive treatment, which could itself be damaging to the person's health.

Question 4

The nurse recently began working at a public health department, and asks about the methods of identifying potential outbreaks. Which type of health department activity is most likely to alert authorities of an early indication of a possible outbreak?

A) Reviewing physician reports
B) Reading publications about predictions
C) Monitoring the occurrence of symptoms
D) Maintaining communications with local labs

Question 5

An outbreak of unusual illness occurs in an isolated location. Local, state, and federal agencies are included to investigate and determine the cause. Which type of epidemiology is used in this situation?

A) Forensic epidemiology
B) Field-based epidemiology
C) Investigative epidemiology
D) Disease-specific epidemiology

Question 6

The nurse is preparing to visit a country that continues to diagnose and treat malaria. Which fact about the disease is correct?

A) The infection occurs after exposure to an infected human.
B) The causative pathogen is spread by airborne transmission.
C) The disease can be transmitted through blood transfusions.
D) The infection is caused by contact with animals carriers.

Question 7

Which is one of the main objectives of disaster epidemiology outlined by the CDC?

A) Monitor the number of deaths, illnesses, and injuries
B) Analyze accurate health information for decision-makers
C) Develop plans that enable victims from being displaced
D) Gain information regarding response preparation for the future

Question 8

The population of a large area affected by flooding is beginning to return to their homes. State and federal agencies are involved in providing assistance. Which need is an important consideration based on research?

A) Respirators and gloves to be used during home cleanup
B) Information about building flood resistant homes
C) Screenings to identify and treat PSTD and depression
D) Guidelines addressing methods of salvaging belongings

Question 9

Once a possible outbreak is identified, the decision to initiate an investigation cannot be made without approval from the CDC.

Question 10

Sensitivity is the probability that a person without a condition in the population tested will be correctly identified as not having the condition by the test.

Question 11

A non-punitive sick leave policy for food handlers is an important prevention strategy for controlling food borne illness among vulnerable groups.

Question 12

When an illness outbreak does not fit what is known about the causative agent and mode of transmission, then investigators should consider _________ contamination.

Question 13

The calculations for test _________ involves dividing the number of positive tests by the sum of the positive tests and the false negatives.