Community Health Nursing Practice Exam

At what point did district nursing expand to encompass the health of the general public?

1. Beginning of the 20th century.

2. Late 19th century.

3. Prior to the 1850s.

4. Early 1970s.

The correct answer is: Beginning of the 20th century.

The expansion of district nursing to encompass the health of the general public primarily began in the early 20th century. This period saw an increased recognition of the social determinants of health and the need for a more holistic approach to healthcare. Various public health movements and reforms focused on improving the health of populations, particularly in response to the industrialization of society, which brought about new health challenges. During this time, nursing services began to move beyond merely providing care to individuals in their homes, emphasizing a broader focus on community health. The establishment of public health nursing as a recognized specialty further solidified this trend, allowing nurses to engage in preventive care, health education, and community organizing to address health issues at the population level. The other options reflect significant historical periods for nursing but do not specifically align with the pivotal moment when district nursing began to prioritize public health. In the late 19th century, while nursing was evolving, it was still largely focused on individual care in the home. Similarly, prior to the 1850s, nursing was primarily a vocation limited to religious or charitable work. The early 1970s marked a period of evolving healthcare models, but the roots of public health-focused district nursing were firmly established in the early 20th