Public Health Nursing Practice Exam

What is the most frequent cause of death from a single agent worldwide?

1. AIDS

2. Malaria

3. Hepatitis

4. Tuberculosis

The correct answer is: Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis is recognized as the most frequent cause of death from a single infectious agent worldwide. Despite significant advancements in healthcare and the development of antibiotics, tuberculosis (TB) remains a major public health challenge. This is particularly true in low- and middle-income countries where healthcare resources are limited, and access to diagnostic tools and effective treatment can be challenging. The persistence of TB as a leading cause of mortality can be attributed to several factors. First, the bacterium that causes TB, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, is highly contagious and can spread easily in crowded and poorly ventilated conditions. Second, drug-resistant strains of TB have emerged, complicating treatment protocols and leading to higher morbidity and mortality rates. Third, socioeconomic factors such as poverty, malnutrition, and lack of access to healthcare services contribute to the prevalence and impact of this disease. In contrast, while AIDS, malaria, and hepatitis are significant public health concerns and contribute to global mortality, they do not surpass tuberculosis in terms of deaths attributed to a single infectious agent. The global response to TB, including initiatives for prevention, screening, and treatment, continues to be a critical aspect of public health nursing and global health strategies. This ongoing focus reflects the seriousness of TB as a cause of death and the