Certified Occupational Health Nurse Practice Exam 2025 - Free Occupational Health Nurse Practice Questions and Study Guide

The correct choice highlights the special attention that occupational health nurses must give to vulnerable populations, such as pregnant women and the elderly, when assessing exposure risks. This focus is critical for several reasons.

Pregnant women experience physiological changes that can increase susceptibility to hazards, both chemical and biological, that may affect fetal development. Occupational health nurses must consider factors like teratogenic exposures and stressors that can impact maternal health and the health of the unborn child. Thus, assessing these risks is crucial to prevent adverse outcomes.

Similarly, the elderly may face a heightened risk of occupational hazards due to age-related declines in physical health, cognitive function, and adaptability to new work environments or practices. They may also have pre-existing health conditions that can be exacerbated by exposure to harmful substances or stressful work situations. Occupational health nurses play a vital role in ensuring that these individuals are not placed in jobs or conditions that may jeopardize their health.

In contrast, although young adults, high-wage employees, and full-time workers are important populations within occupational health, they do not necessarily represent the same level of vulnerability as being pregnant or elderly. These groups may have varying degrees of resilience or access to protective measures that can mitigate exposure risks, making the focus on more vulnerable populations particularly essential