Changes in recent population demographics that have impacted the deliv

Changes in recent population demographics that have impacted the delivery of nursing care in-clude the following: (Select all that apply.)

1. Increased birth rates
2. Increased life expectancy
3. Decreasing rural population
4. Expanding urban settlement
5. Advances in medical modalities
6. Availability of free public education

ANSWER

ANS: 2, 3, 4
Demographic changes affect the population. Changes influencing health care in recent decades include the population shift from rural areas to urban centers; the increased life span; the higher incidence of chronic, long-term illness; and the increased incidence of diseases such as alcoholism and lung cancer. Nursing responds to such changes by exploring new methods to provide care, by changing educational emphases, and by establishing practice standards.
Recent birth rates have declined.
Advances in medical modalities and availability of free public education do not reflect changes in population demographics but rather health care advances and social services.