NBCSN Nationally Certified School Nurse Practice Exam

What is the primary goal of the School Health Index (SHI) as developed by the CDC?

1. To reduce school absences

2. To improve health promotion programs

3. To increase student performance in academics

4. To enhance physical education activities

The correct answer is: To improve health promotion programs

The primary goal of the School Health Index (SHI), developed by the CDC, is to improve health promotion programs within schools. This tool is designed to help schools assess their health policies and programs, identify areas for improvement, and engage stakeholders in the enhancement of school health initiatives. By providing a framework for evaluation, the SHI encourages schools to create comprehensive health promotion strategies that can lead to better health outcomes for students. Improving health promotion programs is critical as these programs have a direct impact on students' overall well-being and can address a range of issues, including nutrition, physical activity, and mental health. While outcomes such as reduced school absences, better academic performance, and enhanced physical education activities may result from strong health promotion programs, they are not the primary focus of the SHI itself. The SHI centers on systematic assessment and the development of robust health initiatives, thereby laying the groundwork for these broader positive effects.