Final answer:
The term used to describe the number of deaths in a population is known as the mortality rate. It measures the number of deaths occurring in a given population during a specified period and is critical for public health assessments.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term used to describe the number of deaths in a population is called the mortality rate. This measure reflects the number of deaths occurring in a population during a given time period, either overall or due to a specific cause. It can be expressed as a percentage of the population that has died from a disease or as the number of deaths per 100,000 persons (or another standard population number).
For example, considering a community population of 24,096, the mortality rate would provide invaluable information to a public health nurse monitoring the health status and identifying potential health risks within that community. This rate is crucial in public health for assessing and responding to the needs of the population effectively.