A chronic smoker who worked in a cement factory for the past 20 years developed mesothelioma. This association is most likely due to?
On January 1, 2024, an area with a population of 10,000 had 100 TB cases. During the year, 30 patients were cured and 10 died. Twenty new TB cases were reported, and 5 of them were cured before December 31, 2024. What is the incidence and prevalence of TB cases?
In which of the following should a cotton swab with pus be discarded?
An elderly man presents with leg deformities and skeletal abnormalities. On examination, he is using crutches and has visible bowing of the legs. It is also noted that several other villagers exhibit similar symptoms. Considering the cluster of cases in the same geographic area, which of the following is the most appropriate next step in the investigation?
A patient presents with increased consumption of Bajra (pearl millet) roti and now complains of drowsiness and giddiness. What is the most likely diagnosis?
Out of the MR & Pentavalent vaccine, which can be reused, and which one should be discarded when the vial is opened according to the open vial policy?
In a group, the mean blood glucose level is 105 mg/dL with a standard deviation of 10 mg/dL. Assuming a normal distribution, what is the expected range of blood glucose values for approximately 95% of the population?
In a family with three siblings, the eldest sibling moves out of the household, and a new (third) child is born. What is this change in the family structure called?
A person has recently moved from Nigeria to the United States. Which of the following vaccines is required for international travel from Nigeria to the USA?
A study was conducted using office records over the past 20 years to compare the incidence of disease among factory workers exposed to aniline dye and unexposed clerical staff. What type of epidemiological study is this?
FMGE 2025 - Community Medicine FMGE Practice Questions and MCQs
Question 41: A chronic smoker who worked in a cement factory for the past 20 years developed mesothelioma. This association is most likely due to?
- A. Silicosis
- B. Asbestosis (Correct Answer)
- C. Coal worker pneumoconiosis
- D. Bagassosis
Explanation: ***Asbestosis*** - **Mesothelioma**, a malignant tumor of the pleura, is almost exclusively caused by occupational exposure to **asbestos fibers**. Cement factory work is a well-known source of this exposure. - The combination of smoking and asbestos exposure has a synergistic effect, massively increasing the risk for **bronchogenic carcinoma**, but asbestos alone is the primary risk factor for **mesothelioma**. *Bagassosis* - This is a type of **hypersensitivity pneumonitis** caused by inhaling dust from moldy **sugarcane** residue (bagasse). - It is an allergic inflammatory condition and is not associated with the development of **mesothelioma**. *Silicosis* - Caused by the inhalation of **silica dust**, common in mining and sandblasting, it classically affects the **upper lobes** of the lungs. - While it increases the risk for **tuberculosis** and lung cancer, it is not a recognized cause of **mesothelioma**. *Coal worker pneumoconiosis* - Also known as **"black lung disease"**, this condition is caused by the chronic inhalation of **coal dust**. - It is characterized by **coal macules** in the lungs and is not associated with an increased risk of **mesothelioma**.
Question 42: On January 1, 2024, an area with a population of 10,000 had 100 TB cases. During the year, 30 patients were cured and 10 died. Twenty new TB cases were reported, and 5 of them were cured before December 31, 2024. What is the incidence and prevalence of TB cases?
- A. 2 and 1.2 (Correct Answer)
- B. 1.2 and 12
- C. 2 and 10
- D. 1.2 and 10
Explanation: ***2 and 1.2*** - **Incidence** represents the rate of new cases occurring during the year. With 20 new TB cases in a population of 10,000, the incidence rate is: $$\frac{20}{10,000} \times 1000 = 2 \text{ per 1000 population}$$ - **Prevalence** in this context appears to refer to the cumulative case load or period prevalence. The total number of cases that existed at any point during the year = Initial cases + New cases = 100 + 20 = 120 cases. Expressed as a percentage: $$\frac{120}{10,000} \times 100 = 1.2\%$$ - This interpretation gives us **incidence of 2 per 1000** and **prevalence of 1.2%** *1.2 and 10* - Incidence of 1.2 would suggest only 12 new cases per 10,000 population, which is incorrect. The actual number of new cases is 20, giving an incidence of 2 per 1000 - The value 10 represents the number of deaths, not the prevalence rate *1.2 and 12* - Incidence of 1.2 is incorrect as explained above - While 12 per 1000 (or 1.2%) could represent prevalence, pairing it with the wrong incidence value makes this option incorrect *2 and 10* - Incidence of 2 per 1000 is correct - However, 10 represents the number of deaths, not the prevalence. The prevalence value should be 1.2% (representing 120 total cases as a percentage of the population) **Key Epidemiological Concepts:** - **Incidence** = Number of NEW cases during a time period / Population at risk - **Prevalence** = Total number of existing cases / Total population - In this question, the prevalence of 1.2% represents the cumulative case burden (100 initial + 20 new = 120 cases) expressed as a percentage of the population (120/10,000 × 100 = 1.2%)
Question 43: In which of the following should a cotton swab with pus be discarded?
- A. Yellow chlorination bag
- B. Yellow non-chlorination bag (Correct Answer)
- C. Red non-chlorination bag
- D. Red chlorination bag
Explanation: ***Yellow non-chlorination bag*** - Cotton swabs soiled with pus are classified as **Soiled Waste** (infectious waste) which must be collected in the designated **yellow bag**.- To prepare this waste for final disposal via **incineration** or deep burial, it should not undergo pre-treatment like chlorination; hence, it goes into a non-chlorination yellow bag.*Yellow chlorination bag*- Chemical disinfection, such as **chlorination**, is primarily performed on liquid microbiological waste or highly contaminated liquid waste before discharge, not typically inside the collection bag for solid soiled cotton waste.- Soiled waste collected in the yellow bag is destined for **high-temperature treatment** (incineration), making immediate chlorination within the bag unnecessary and potentially hazardous.*Red chlorination bag*- The **red bag** is designated for **contaminated recyclable plastic waste** (like IV bottles, catheters, syringes without needles), which is processed via autoclaving/microwave disinfection.- Cotton swabs are non-plastic, **non-recyclable soiled waste** and therefore do not belong in the red category.*Red non-chlorination bag*- The **red bag** is strictly reserved for contaminated **plastic and rubber items** that require disinfection before recycling.- Since the cotton swab is **soiled non-plastic waste**, it must be segregated into the yellow category, regardless of whether chlorination is used or not (which it is not for this item).
Question 44: An elderly man presents with leg deformities and skeletal abnormalities. On examination, he is using crutches and has visible bowing of the legs. It is also noted that several other villagers exhibit similar symptoms. Considering the cluster of cases in the same geographic area, which of the following is the most appropriate next step in the investigation?
- A. Collect and analyze water samples for fluoride content (Correct Answer)
- B. Perform parathyroid hormone (PTH) assay
- C. Check serum vitamin D levels
- D. Measure serum calcium levels
Explanation: ***Collect and analyze water samples for fluoride content*** - The presentation of a cluster of cases with **skeletal deformities** (bowing of the legs) in a single geographic area strongly suggests an endemic condition related to an **environmental exposure**, such as a contaminated water source. - The clinical picture is highly consistent with **skeletal fluorosis**, and the accompanying image showing mottled enamel is a classic sign of **dental fluorosis**, both caused by chronic high intake of fluoride. *Check serum vitamin D levels* - Vitamin D deficiency causes **osteomalacia** in adults, which can lead to bone deformities, but it does not cause the specific **dental fluorosis** seen in the image. - While a community-wide nutritional deficiency is possible, the combination of skeletal and dental findings makes an environmental toxin a more specific and likely cause to investigate first. *Measure serum calcium levels* - Serum calcium levels are typically **normal** in patients with skeletal fluorosis, so this test would have low diagnostic yield for the suspected condition. - While metabolic bone diseases can present with abnormal calcium, they do not explain the endemic nature of the presentation or the characteristic dental findings. *Perform parathyroid hormone (PTH) assay* - **Hyperparathyroidism** is an endocrine disorder that is unlikely to affect multiple individuals in the same village simultaneously. - The clinical and radiological features of hyperparathyroidism, such as **osteitis fibrosa cystica**, differ from those of skeletal fluorosis, and it is not associated with dental fluorosis.
Question 45: A patient presents with increased consumption of Bajra (pearl millet) roti and now complains of drowsiness and giddiness. What is the most likely diagnosis?
- A. Fusarium Toxicity
- B. Ergotism (Correct Answer)
- C. Botulism
- D. Epidemic Dropsy
Explanation: ***Ergotism*** - This condition results from ingesting grains, such as **pearl millet (Bajra)**, contaminated by the fungus *Claviceps fusiformis*. - The neurotoxic effects of **ergot alkaloids** cause the central nervous system (CNS) symptoms of the convulsive form, including **drowsiness** and **giddiness**. *Epidemic Dropsy* - This toxicity is caused by ingesting edible oils (typically mustard oil) contaminated with **argemone oil**. - The cardinal features are non-pitting **edema** (dropsy), skin pigmentation, and rarely, secondary glaucoma, not primarily CNS giddiness. *Botulism* - This illness is caused by the potent neurotoxin produced by *Clostridium botulinum*, usually found in improperly canned or preserved food. - The defining clinical presentation is a classic descending, symmetric **flaccid paralysis** often starting with cranial nerve symptoms (**diplopia, dysphagia**). *Fusarium Toxicity* - This involves various mycotoxins (e.g., **fumonisins, T-2 toxin**) contaminating cereals, most commonly maize. - Clinical syndromes include severe immunosuppression (Alimentary Toxic Aleukia) or liver/kidney damage, not the primary presentation of acute drowsiness and giddiness.
Question 46: Out of the MR & Pentavalent vaccine, which can be reused, and which one should be discarded when the vial is opened according to the open vial policy?
- A. Reuse both MR and Pentavalent
- B. Discard MR, reuse Pentavalent (Correct Answer)
- C. Discard both MR and Pentavalent
- D. Discard Pentavalent, reuse MR
Explanation: ***Discard MR, reuse Pentavalent***- The **MR (Measles-Rubella) vaccine** is a **lyophilized (freeze-dried) live attenuated vaccine** that is reconstituted with a diluent; once reconstituted, it must be discarded within **6 hours** or at the end of the immunization session, whichever comes first, due to the lack of an effective preservative.- The **Pentavalent vaccine** is a multi-dose, liquid formulation that contains an antimicrobial **preservative** (usually **thiomersal**), allowing the open vial to be reused for up to **28 days**, provided the cold chain is maintained and the vial has not been contaminated (Open Vial Policy eligibility).*Discard Pentavalent, reuse MR*- The **Pentavalent vaccine**, being a liquid multi-dose form with a preservative, is a designated candidate for reuse under the **Open Vial Policy**, allowing its continued use up to 28 days.- **MR vaccine** cannot be reused beyond the 6-hour limit because reconstitution significantly reduces its stability and introduces contamination risk in the absence of an effective preservative.*Discard both MR and Pentavalent*- Discarding the **Pentavalent vaccine** after every session contradicts the fundamental principle of the **Open Vial Policy**, which aims to maximize vaccine utilization and minimize wastage for multi-dose preserved vaccines.- While **MR vaccine** must be discarded as per protocol, the Pentavalent vaccine is stable and safe for reuse up to 28 days if specific conditions (like proper storage and lack of vial submersion) are met.*Reuse both MR and Pentavalent*- Reusing the **MR vaccine** beyond 6 hours or the session end is medically inappropriate and risky due to the high susceptibility of the reconstituted vaccine to bacterial growth and potential loss of vaccine potency.- Only vaccines that are liquid, contain a preservative, and are supplied in multi-dose vials (like Pentavalent) are eligible for the extended 28-day reuse under the standard **Open Vial Policy**.
Question 47: In a group, the mean blood glucose level is 105 mg/dL with a standard deviation of 10 mg/dL. Assuming a normal distribution, what is the expected range of blood glucose values for approximately 95% of the population?
- A. 85 – 125 mg/dL (Correct Answer)
- B. 101 – 110 mg/dL
- C. 95 – 115 mg/dL
- D. 90 – 125 mg/dL
Explanation: ***85 – 125 mg/dL*** - This range is calculated using the **Empirical Rule** ($\text{Mean} \pm 2 \text{ SD}$), which states that approximately 95% of observations in a **normal distribution** fall within two standard deviations of the mean. - Calculation: $105 \text{ mg/dL} \pm (2 \times 10 \text{ mg/dL}) = 105 \pm 20 \text{ mg/dL}$, resulting in the range **85 – 125 mg/dL**. *101 – 110 mg/dL* - This range is too narrow, only covering values $5 \text{ mg/dL}$ above and below the mean, and does not represent the required **95%** coverage for a 10 mg/dL standard deviation. - Using this small range indicates an incorrect application of the **standard deviation** multiplier necessary for determining large confidence intervals. *90 – 125 mg/dL* - While the upper limit ($125 \text{ mg/dL}$) is correct ($\text{Mean} + 2 \text{ SD}$), the lower limit ($90 \text{ mg/dL}$) is incorrect, as it must be symmetrical around the mean in a **normal distribution**. - This asymmetrical range does not accurately represent the **95% confidence interval** defined by $\text{Mean} \pm 2 \text{ SD}$. *95 – 115 mg/dL* - This range is calculated using $\text{Mean} \pm 1 \text{ SD}$ ($105 \pm 10 \text{ mg/dL}$), which only includes approximately **68%** of the data according to the **Empirical Rule**, not 95%. - To capture **95%** of the population data, clinicians and students must use **two standard deviations** from the mean.
Question 48: In a family with three siblings, the eldest sibling moves out of the household, and a new (third) child is born. What is this change in the family structure called?
- A. Contraction
- B. Formation
- C. Complete extension (Correct Answer)
- D. Extension
Explanation: ***Complete extension*** - This stage of the family life cycle begins with the birth of the **last child**, representing the point at which the family has reached its maximum size. - Although the eldest sibling has moved out (a contraction event), the birth of the new child marks the completion of the family's growth phase. *Formation* - The formation stage starts with **marriage** and lasts until the birth of the **first child**. - This family already has multiple children, indicating they are well beyond the initial formation stage. *Contraction* - The contraction stage begins when the **first child leaves home** and ends when the last child leaves, leading to the "empty nest" stage. - While a child leaving home is an event of contraction, the overall stage is defined by the final birth, which is complete extension. *Extension* - The extension stage is a broader phase that starts with the birth of the **first child** and continues as more children are born. - "Complete extension" is the more specific and accurate term for the point when the **last child** is born, finalizing the family's size.
Question 49: A person has recently moved from Nigeria to the United States. Which of the following vaccines is required for international travel from Nigeria to the USA?
- A. Japanese Encephalitis (JE) vaccine
- B. Yellow Fever (17D) vaccine (Correct Answer)
- C. Measles vaccine
- D. Rabies vaccine
Explanation: ***Yellow Fever (17D) vaccine*** - This vaccine is **required** because Nigeria is considered **endemic for Yellow Fever** and is listed under the **International Health Regulations (IHR)** as a country requiring proof of vaccination. - The US government and the WHO mandate an **International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP)** showing YF vaccination for travelers arriving from or transiting through endemic countries. - This is a **mandatory port of entry requirement** for international travel from Nigeria to the USA. *Japanese Encephalitis (JE) vaccine* - The Japanese Encephalitis virus circulation is limited to **Asia and the Western Pacific**, making it irrelevant for travel originating in Africa (Nigeria) to the USA. - This vaccine is recommended only for prolonged travel or residence in endemic rural or agricultural areas of Asia, not for Nigeria-USA travel. *Measles vaccine* - The Measles vaccine (MMR) is part of **routine immunization** recommendations, but it is not the specific **mandatory port of entry requirement** triggered by Nigeria's endemic disease status. - While immigrants to the US often require proof of age-appropriate vaccinations, Yellow Fever is the specific and critical requirement for international clearance from Nigeria. *Rabies vaccine* - The Rabies vaccine is a **pre-exposure prophylaxis** recommended for high-risk individuals (veterinarians, prolonged rural stay, contact with animals) but is **not a universally mandated travel requirement**. - Rabies is not classified as a quarantinable disease for which vaccination is strictly required for entry into the US from Nigeria.
Question 50: A study was conducted using office records over the past 20 years to compare the incidence of disease among factory workers exposed to aniline dye and unexposed clerical staff. What type of epidemiological study is this?
- A. Case-control study
- B. Ecological study
- C. Prospective study
- D. Retrospective study (Correct Answer)
Explanation: ***Retrospective study*** - This is specifically a **retrospective cohort study** because it identifies exposed and unexposed groups (*aniline dye workers* vs. *clerical staff*) and uses past records (20 years) to determine the **incidence** of disease - Data collection and outcome assessment occur *after* the exposure and outcome events have already taken place, relying entirely on **historical records** - The key feature is looking **backward** using existing data to compare disease incidence between the two groups *Prospective study* - Involves defining the exposed and unexposed groups **now** and following them *forward* in time to observe the development of disease - Data collection starts at the time of study initiation and continues into the **future** - Not applicable here since the study uses historical records, not prospective follow-up *Case-control study* - Starts by identifying individuals *with* the disease (**cases**) and those *without* the disease (**controls**), then looks backward to assess exposure - Designed primarily to estimate the **odds ratio**, not the incidence - This study compares incidence between exposed and unexposed groups, which is characteristic of a **cohort** design, not case-control *Ecological study* - Compares disease frequency and risk factors at the level of *groups* or **populations** (e.g., countries, states), rather than individuals - This study specifically compares outcomes between two distinct **individual-level** employee groups (exposed vs. unexposed workers), not population-level aggregates