Deck 3: Frameworks and Models in Epidemiology

Question 1

Describe the difference between contagious and non-contagious communicable diseases.

Answer 1

A non-contagious communicable disease is transmitted through a vector rather than person-to-person. A contagious disease, such as SARS and smallpox, can be transmitted directly from person to person. A contagious disease often can be controlled from spreading via methods of quarantine and treatment. A non-contagious disease, meanwhile, is transmitted through a vector rather than from person to person. A vector is something such as a mosquito or tick that transmits disease to the host, food, or immediate surroundings. Unlike contagious diseases, which can be controlled through methods such as quarantine, non-contagious diseases are not controlled through quarantine. The key to avoiding non-contagious diseases is to avoid the vectors. This is why we use insect repellant to prevent ticks and mosquitos from biting.

Question 2

Why is the web of causation preferable to the triangle of epidemiology?

Answer 2

The web of causation focuses on multiple factors that could relate to the condition a person has developed, rather than simply on the infectious process. For example, the web of causation would look at the varied factors that may have led to the development of cancer or cardiac disease. The web of causation addresses a population group rather than an individual. When using the web of causation, it allows the practitioner to consider multifaceted aspects to treat or care for the patient. The triangle of epidemiology uses a limited view of disease by looking at the agent, the host, and the environment with time in the middle to represent the incubation period. When using the triangle of epidemiology, one is limited to viewing the process as a single cause and the interaction between just the host, environment, and the agent. This is limiting because in conditions such as tuberculosis, there can be a multitude of factors that contribute to developing the disease, but only one can be viewed and therefore addressed at a time. The web of causation allows the practitioner to take a more complete view of the patient and their disease than the triangle of epidemiology.

Question 3

Why should healthcare providers advocate for planetary health?

Answer 3

Planetary health is the health of human civilization and the natural systems which civilization depends on for life and health. Humans depend on a health natural system on the earth in order to succeed. When the earth's environment is unhealthy, those who depend on it will become unhealthy. If the earth becomes unhealthy, we begin to see health conditions that reflect it. For example, if waste is finding its way into our food supply, then the food supply will not be as safe and nutritious as it could be and the people who depend on that food will develop health issues reflecting this less than optimally healthy planet. If excess use of insecticides are allowed, the ecosystem becomes imbalanced and again, the food supply or other aspects that humans depend on become unhealthy. It is important that all healthcare providers advocate for a healthy planet to promote the health of populations. Without the health of the planet, we cannot expect people to remain healthy.

Question 4

A client comes to the emergency department exhibiting symptoms that include a fever of 103.2°F (39.6°C), migraine headache, respiration discomfort, generalized body pains, and a cough. Which information obtained during the patient's admission process causes the greatest concern for the nurse?

A) The client arrived home 24 hours ago from traveling.
B) The client was asymptomatic up until three days ago.
C) The client was working for three weeks in China.
D) The client sat next to a person with a cough on the plane.

Question 5

A client is admitted to an isolation room in a hospital for an identified case of smallpox. Besides airborne precautions, which additional safeguard do the healthcare personnel need to strictly follow?

A) Guidelines for indirect transmission
B) Proper fit and care of respiratory protection
C) Process for performing effective hand hygiene
D) Vaccinated seven days prior to providing care

Question 6

An educational seminar is being presented to public health nurses regarding possible outbreaks of smallpox. Which is the most important reason this specific information is being offered?

A) Many terrorists attacks are biohazardous.
B) Specialized client care is needed.
C) The disease is extremely contagious.
D) Persons born after 1972 are not immune.

Question 7

It is important for healthcare providers to understand how susceptibility and carriers contribute to illness. Which contributory category of susceptibility and carriers is correct?

A) A person may only have passive immunity against exposure to a disease and becomes ill after exposure.
B) People can harbor an infectious agent in their system and not become ill until a certain situation develops.
C) People can be born with a genetic characteristics that make the individual immune to communicable diseases.
D) A person may suspect an illness from a communicable disease and still choose to be involved with other people.

Question 8

Many of the leading causes of mortality in the U.S. are related to chronic and other non-infectious conditions. Which is an identified contributing factor for inadequacy when using the advanced model of the triangle of epidemiology?

A) Teenage pregnancy
B) Age related causes
C) Drug-induced causes
D) Accidental injuries

Question 9

The term communicable disease means an agent can be transmitted directly or indirectly from an infected host to a vulnerable host.

Question 10

The web of causation acknowledges that a health outcome in a group or population is the result of a single causation, which is directly related to death or physical inabilities.

Question 11

Planetary health is based on the understanding that the health of natural systems depends on human health and wellbeing.

Question 12

SARS is spread when droplets from the infected person's nose and mouth are released when the person sneezes or coughs through _________ ___________.

Question 13

The web of causation is a _______ concept, meaning contributing factors can be added or excluded based on new knowledge and/or certain situations.