UPSC-CMS 2012 Practice Questions

Q: Which one of the following vitamins given as a supplement during the peri-conceptional period to a woman can help prevent the neural tube defects in the baby ?

Folic acid. ***Folic acid*** - **Folic acid** (vitamin B9) supplementation is crucial during the **peri-conceptional period** to prevent neural tube defects. - Adequate folic acid intake helps in the proper development and closure of the **neural tube** in the embryo, which forms the brain and spinal cord. *Riboflavin* - **Riboflavin** (vitamin B2) is essential for energy metabolism and cellular growth but has no direct, established role in preventing neural tube defects. - Deficiency can lead to **ariboflavinosis**, characterized by skin lesions, but not directly linked to neural tube malformations. *Thiamine* - **Thiamine** (vitamin B1) is vital for carbohydrate metabolism and nerve function. - Its deficiency causes **beriberi** and neurological problems in adults, but it does not directly prevent neural tube defects. *Vitamin B12* - **Vitamin B12** (cobalamin) is important for DNA synthesis and nerve function, and it works closely with folate. - While B12 deficiency can lead to megaloblastic anemia and neurological issues, **folic acid** is the primary vitamin for preventing neural tube defects.

Q: Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer using the code given below the Lists:

A→3 B→1 C→2 D→4. ***A→3 B→1 C→2 D→4*** - **Thiamine (Vitamin B1)** deficiency can lead to **beriberi**, which often manifests as **wet beriberi** characterized by **high-output cardiac failure**, edema, and peripheral neuropathy. - **Niacin (Vitamin B3)** deficiency causes **pellagra**, a disease classically presenting with the "4 Ds": **dermatitis**, diarrhea, dementia, and death. - **Retinol (Vitamin A)** deficiency is primarily known for causing **xerophthalmia**, which includes early signs like **night blindness** and later stages like Bitot's spots (foamy keratin debris on the conjunctiva) and keratomalacia. - **Cholecalciferol (Vitamin D)** deficiency leads to **rickets in children**, characterized by impaired bone mineralization causing skeletal deformities such as a **rachitic rosary** (enlargement of the costochondral junctions). *A→3 B→2 C→1 D→4* - This option incorrectly matches Niacin with Bitot's spots (Vitamin A deficiency) and Retinol with Dermatitis (Niacin deficiency). - The correct associations are Thiamine with cardiac failure, Niacin with dermatitis, Retinol with Bitot's spots, and Cholecalciferol with rachitic rosary. *A→1 B→4 C→2 D→3* - This option incorrectly matches Thiamine with dermatitis, Niacin with rachitic rosary, and Cholecalciferol with cardiac failure. - Each of these pairings contradicts the established clinical manifestations of the respective vitamin deficiencies. *A→4 B→2 C→1 D→3* - This option incorrectly associates Thiamine with rachitic rosary, Niacin with Bitot's spots, and Retinol with dermatitis. - The symptoms listed are characteristic of different vitamin deficiencies than those incorrectly matched in this choice.

Q: An average-sized hen egg would provide

70 Kcal. ***70 Kcal*** - An average-sized hen egg (approximately 50 grams) typically provides around **70-75 kilocalories** of energy. - This energy content is primarily derived from the egg's **protein and fat** components. *90 Kcal* - This value is slightly higher than the average for a standard hen egg and might be applicable to a **larger-sized egg** or if additional ingredients are included. - The precise caloric content varies with the **size and preparation** of the egg. *50 Kcal* - This value is generally **too low** for an average-sized whole hen egg. - An egg white alone might be closer to this caloric count, as **most of the fat and calories are in the yolk**. *110 Kcal* - This caloric value is significantly **higher** than what an average hen egg provides. - Such a high value would typically be found in **very large eggs** or in egg preparations that include added fats like butter or oil.

Q: A Health Assistant (Male) covers a population of

30,000. ***Correct Answer: 30,000*** - A Health Assistant (Male), also known as a **Multi-Purpose Worker (Male) [MPW(M)]**, is responsible for a population of **30,000** in a rural plain area. - Their duties include assisting with family planning, maternal and child health, immunization, and communicable disease control programs. - This is the standard population norm as per **Indian Public Health Standards (IPHS)**. *Incorrect Option: 1,000* - A population of **1,000** is typically covered by an **Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA)**, who operates at the village level. - ASHAs are community health workers primarily focused on mobilizing the community for health services and providing basic health education. - This represents a much smaller coverage area than Health Assistant (Male). *Incorrect Option: 5,000* - A **Sub-Centre**, the most peripheral and first contact point between the primary health care system and the community, covers a population of **5,000 in plain areas** and **3,000 in hilly/tribal areas**. - Sub-Centre is staffed by one ANM (Auxiliary Nurse Midwife) and one Male Health Worker. - This is the coverage for a health facility, not specifically for Health Assistant (Male). *Incorrect Option: 1,00,000* - A **Community Health Centre (CHC)** serves as a referral unit for **4-5 Primary Health Centres** and covers a population of **80,000 to 1.2 lakh** in plain areas. - CHCs provide specialist services like obstetrics and gynecology, surgery, pediatrics, and emergency services. - This represents the coverage of a referral-level health facility, much larger than Health Assistant (Male) coverage.

Q: Case Fatality Rate of a disease is a measure of its

Virulence. ***Virulence*** - **Case fatality rate (CFR)** is defined as the proportion of persons with a disease who **die from that disease**. - It directly reflects the **severity** or **lethality** of a disease among those infected. - A higher CFR indicates that the disease is more **virulent**, causing a greater proportion of infected individuals to die. - CFR is the standard epidemiological measure of **virulence**. *Chronicity* - **Chronicity** refers to the **duration** of a disease, indicating whether it is long-lasting or recurrent. - It does not directly measure the disease's ability to cause death among those infected. *Endemicity* - **Endemicity** describes the **constant presence** and/or usual prevalence of a disease in a geographic area or population. - This term relates to the typical occurrence pattern, not the deadliness of the disease. *Infectivity* - **Infectivity** is the ability of an organism to **cause infection** in a susceptible host. - It measures how easily an agent can spread and establish itself, not its capacity to cause severe disease or death.

Q: The incubation period of mumps is

2-3 weeks. ***2-3 weeks*** - The incubation period for **mumps** is typically 16 to 18 days, with a range of 12 to 25 days, which falls within the 2-3 week timeframe. - This period is the time from exposure to the mumps virus until the onset of symptoms, such as **parotitis**. *4-5 weeks* - An incubation period of 4-5 weeks is longer than the typical range for mumps, suggesting a different viral infection. - This duration is more characteristic of diseases like **hepatitis B** rather than mumps. *1-2 weeks* - An incubation period of 1-2 weeks is shorter than the typical range for mumps. - This timeframe is more commonly associated with various **respiratory viruses** or **influenza**. *3-4 weeks* - While 3-4 weeks (21-28 days) can include the upper end of the mumps incubation period, it is not the most common or typical duration. - The average incubation is closer to **2.5 weeks**, making 2-3 weeks the more accurate general range.

Q: Which of the following conditions may produce "wrist drop" ?

Lead poisoning. ***Lead poisoning*** - **Lead neuropathy** predominantly affects motor nerves, often leading to **wrist drop** and **foot drop** due to involvement of the radial and peroneal nerves, respectively [1]. - The toxic effects of lead interfere with heme synthesis and neuronal function, leading to **demyelination** and axonal degeneration [1]. *Alcoholics* - **Alcoholic neuropathy** typically affects peripheral nerves, causing sensory and motor deficits, often as a **stocking-glove distribution** [3]. - While it can manifest as weakness, classic "wrist drop" is not a hallmark feature; rather, it often involves generalized weakness and sensory loss. *Beriberi* - **Beriberi** is caused by **thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency** and presents in two main forms: wet (cardiovascular) and dry (neurological). - Dry beriberi causes **peripheral neuropathy** with symmetrical motor and sensory impairment, but **wrist drop** is not a characteristic isolated sign. *Diabetes mellitus* - **Diabetic neuropathy** commonly leads to a **stocking-glove sensory loss** and - Can cause motor weakness, but isolated **wrist drop** [2] is not a typical presentation; rather, it's often polyneuropathy or mononeuropathy multiplex [3].

Q: The pathogenic organism responsible for the causation of Donovaniasis is

Klebsiella granulomatis. ***Klebsiella granulomatis*** - This bacterium is the causative agent of **granuloma inguinale**, also known as **donovaniasis**. - It infects macrophages and causes chronic, progressive **genital ulcers** with a characteristic beefy-red appearance. *Herpes simplex virus* - This virus causes **genital herpes**, characterized by painful **vesicular or ulcerative lesions** that tend to recur. *Haemophilus ducreyi* - This bacterium causes **chancroid**, characterized by painful, soft chancres with **ragged, undermined borders**. *Chlamydia trachomatis* - This bacterium is responsible for several sexually transmitted infections, including **lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV)**, which presents with transient genital lesions followed by painful, suppurative lymphadenopathy, and **genital chlamydial infections** which often cause urethritis or cervicitis.

Q: Among the following, the best indicator for acute malnutrition in the under-fives is

Weight for height. ***Weight for height*** - **Weight-for-height** is the best indicator for **acute malnutrition** (wasting) in under-fives as it reflects recent nutritional deficits. - It compares a child's weight to the expected weight for a child of the same height, identifying if they are too thin for their height. *Height for age* - **Height-for-age** is an indicator of **chronic malnutrition (stunting)**, reflecting long-term nutritional deprivation. - It does not accurately capture acute, recent weight loss or wasting. *Head/chest circumference ratio* - The **head/chest circumference ratio** can be used as a screening tool in some contexts, but it is less precise and sensitive for assessing acute malnutrition than weight-for-height. - Its utility decreases beyond the first year of life as the chest circumference typically begins to exceed head circumference. *Mid arm circumference* - **Mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC)** is a useful **screening tool** for severe acute malnutrition, particularly in community settings. - However, **weight-for-height** is generally considered a more comprehensive and accurate indicator for diagnosing and assessing the severity of acute malnutrition across all severities.

Question 1

Which one of the following vitamins given as a supplement during the peri-conceptional period to a woman can help prevent the neural tube defects in the baby ?

Accepted Answer

Folic acid

Answer

Riboflavin

Answer

Thiamine

Answer

Vitamin B12

Question 2

Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer using the code given below the Lists:

Accepted Answer

A→3  B→1  C→2  D→4

Answer

A→3  B→2  C→1  D→4

Answer

A→1  B→4  C→2  D→3

Answer

A→4  B→2  C→1  D→3

Question 3

An average-sized hen egg would provide

Accepted Answer

70 Kcal

Answer

90 Kcal

Answer

50 Kcal

Answer

110 Kcal

Question 4

A Health Assistant (Male) covers a population of

Accepted Answer

30,000

Answer

1,000

Answer

5,000

Answer

1,00,000

Question 5

Case Fatality Rate of a disease is a measure of its

Accepted Answer

Virulence

Answer

Chronicity

Answer

Endemicity

Answer

Infectivity

Question 6

The incubation period of mumps is

Accepted Answer

2-3 weeks

Answer

4-5 weeks

Answer

1-2 weeks

Answer

3-4 weeks

Question 7

Which of the following conditions may produce "wrist drop" ?

Accepted Answer

Lead poisoning

Answer

Alcoholics

Answer

Beriberi

Answer

Diabetes mellitus

Question 8

The pathogenic organism responsible for the causation of Donovaniasis is

Accepted Answer

Klebsiella granulomatis

Answer

Herpes simplex virus

Answer

Haemophilus ducreyi

Answer

Chlamydia trachomatis

Question 9

What is the recommendation for use of Levonorgestrel for the purpose of emergency contraception ?

Accepted Answer

Two tablets of 0-75 mg Levonorgestrel to be taken soon after the act of unprotected coitus but within 96 hours

Answer

One tablet of 0-75 mg Levonorgestrel to be taken soon after the act of unprotected coitus but within 72 hours

Answer

None of the options

Answer

One tablet of 0-75 mg Levonorgestrel to be taken soon after the act of unprotected coitus but within 120 hours

Question 10

Among the following, the best indicator for acute malnutrition in the under-fives is

Accepted Answer

Weight for height

Answer

Height for age

Answer

Head/chest circumference ratio

Answer

Mid arm circumference

UPSC-CMS 2012

Biochemistry

Community Medicine

Internal Medicine

Microbiology

Obstetrics and Gynecology

Pediatrics