Final answer:
The report cited by the public health nurse suggests that drug use among adolescents aged 13-17 remains below the all-time high reported in 1979 (b). This inference is based on demographic trends and health issue data provided, indicating that other age groups have different patterns of drug use or health concerns.
Step-by-step explanation:
The public health nurse referred to a Healthy People 2010 report to indicate that drug use among a specific demographic remains below the all-time high that was reported in 1979. Based on the provided reference materials that discuss the changes in population demographics and health issues among different age groups, one can infer that the demographic referred to in this question is likely the group of adolescents aged 13-17. This conclusion is derived from historical trends indicating that other age demographics, such as children aged 5-9, young adults aged 18-24, or the elderly individuals aged 65+, have either maintained different drug use patterns or have experienced different health-related issues that have been a focus in recent health reports.
For example, the baby boomer population, born between 1946 and 1964, now reaching retirement age, is experiencing common healthcare needs related to aging, and there has been an increase in the use of prescription medication among local senior citizens. This indicates that the demographic associated with remaining below the 1979 all-time high for drug use would be less likely to be the elderly population. In addition, the age group 18-24 would have different drug use patterns influenced by cultural and societal changes. Therefore, it suggests that the demographic remaining below the all-time high would be adolescents aged 13-17.