UPSC-CMS 2013 Practice Questions

Q: A village has a total of 100 under-five children. The coverage with measles vaccine in these age groups is 60%. Following the occurrence of a measles case in a child after a visit outside, twenty six children developed measles later. The secondary attack rate of measles is :

66.6%. ***66.6%*** - The **secondary attack rate** is calculated as (number of secondary cases / number of susceptible contacts exposed to the primary case) × 100. - Total children = 100, with 60% vaccinated (60 children), leaving **40 susceptible children**. - The primary case (one child from the village who visited outside) is part of these 40 susceptible children. - After the primary case occurs, the **remaining susceptible contacts** = 40 - 1 = **39 children**. - Number of secondary cases = 26, so secondary attack rate = (26/39) × 100 = **66.67% ≈ 66.6%**. *65.0%* - This option incorrectly uses all 40 susceptible children as the denominator (26/40 × 100 = 65%). - The error lies in **not excluding the primary case** from the denominator when calculating the secondary attack rate. - The primary case cannot be counted among those "at risk" of secondary infection since they already have the disease. *26.0%* - This represents the **overall attack rate** calculated as (26/100) × 100, using the total population as the denominator. - It fails to account for **vaccination status** and does not represent the secondary attack rate among susceptible contacts. - This is epidemiologically incorrect for measuring disease transmission among susceptibles. *16.6%* - This option appears to use an incorrect denominator, possibly 26/156 or another erroneous calculation. - It does not reflect any standard epidemiological rate calculation for this scenario. - The value is too low to represent the true risk among susceptible contacts.

Q: The method of choice for purification of highly polluted water on a large scale is :

Super-chlorination followed by de-chlorination. ***Super-chlorination followed by de-chlorination*** - **Super-chlorination** involves adding a very large dose of chlorine to water to ensure the destruction of all pathogenic microorganisms and removal of organic matter, making it suitable for **highly polluted water**. - **De-chlorination** is then necessary to remove residual chlorine, as high levels can be harmful and impart an unpleasant taste and odor. *Chlorination only* - While effective for disinfection, **chlorination alone** might not be sufficient to purify highly polluted water with significant organic load or diverse pathogens. - Excessive chlorine content without subsequent de-chlorination can lead to **undesirable by-products** and make the water unpalatable. *Ultraviolet light treatment* - **UV light treatment** is an effective disinfectant that inactivates microorganisms, but it does not remove suspended solids, dissolved organic matter, or chemical pollutants often found in **highly polluted water**. - Its efficacy can be reduced by water turbidity, which is common in highly contaminated sources, requiring extensive pre-treatment. *Boiling and chlorination* - **Boiling** is effective for killing most microorganisms but is impractical and energy-intensive for **large-scale water purification**. - **Chlorination** after boiling would still be needed for residual disinfection, but the combination isn't the method of choice for the high volumes typical of municipal water treatment of highly polluted sources.

Q: The useful fertility indicator where birth registration statistics do not exist or are inadequate is :

Child-woman ratio. ***Child-woman ratio*** - The **child-woman ratio** is a common **fertility indicator** used in areas where reliable birth registration data is unavailable. - It calculates the number of **children under 5 years old per 1000 women of childbearing age** (typically 15-49 years), providing an estimate of recent fertility. *Abortion rate* - The **abortion rate** measures the number of abortions per 1,000 women of reproductive age. - While it reflects a component of reproductive behavior, it does not directly measure live births or general fertility and relies on accurate abortion statistics which may also be inadequate. *Net reproduction rate* - The **net reproduction rate (NRR)** is a sophisticated measure that indicates the average number of daughters a woman will have if she survives to the end of her reproductive years, taking into account mortality. - This indicator requires **detailed birth and death statistics by age**, which are precisely what are lacking when birth registration is inadequate. *Male-female ratio* - The **male-female ratio**, or sex ratio, compares the number of males to females in a population. - This ratio is a demographic indicator used to understand population structure but **does not directly measure fertility**.

Q: Direct mailing as a means of communication, is an example of:

Individual approach. ***Individual approach*** - Direct mailing involves sending messages to **specific individuals by name and address**, making it a **personalized communication** method. - Each recipient receives an individually addressed communication, allowing for **tailored content** based on recipient characteristics. - It permits **individual follow-up and response**, which is characteristic of individual approach methods in health education. - In Community Medicine classification, direct mail is considered an individual approach because it targets specific persons, not undifferentiated masses. *Mass approach* - Mass approach uses **mass media** (TV, radio, newspapers, billboards) that reach large populations simultaneously without individual targeting. - Mass communication cannot identify or address specific individuals by name. - Direct mailing, despite reaching many people, addresses each person individually, distinguishing it from true mass communication. *Group approach* - Group approach involves communication with **defined small groups** with shared context (group discussions, seminars, demonstrations). - Direct mailing lacks the **interactive, collective experience** characteristic of group communication methods. *Two way communication* - While direct mailing allows for responses, the initial transmission is **one-way**. - However, the individual addressing makes it an individual approach, not defined by its one-way nature.

Q: Mansonioides mosquito transmits the following disease :

Brugian filariasis. ***Brugian filariasis*** - **Mansonioides mosquitoes** are the primary vectors for **Brugian filariasis**, caused by **Brugia malayi** and **Brugia timori**. - This form of filariasis is characterized by **lymphatic obstruction** and **elephantiasis**, predominantly affecting the limbs. *Dengue* - **Dengue** is a viral disease transmitted exclusively by **Aedes mosquitoes**, particularly **Aedes aegypti** and **Aedes albopictus**. - Symptoms include severe fever, headache, retro-orbital pain, muscle and joint pains, and a characteristic skin rash. *Bancroftian filariasis* - **Bancroftian filariasis**, caused by **Wuchereria bancrofti**, is primarily transmitted by **Culex** (e.g., *Culex quinquefasciatus*) and sometimes **Anopheles** or **Aedes mosquitoes**. - While leading to similar lymphatic complications as Brugian filariasis, its vector species differ from Mansonioides. *Malaria* - **Malaria** is transmitted solely by **Anopheles mosquitoes**, which carry the **Plasmodium parasite**. - The disease is characterized by recurring fever, chills, and flu-like symptoms, and can be life-threatening.

Q: Failure rate of contraceptive method is determined by:

Pearl index. ***Pearl index*** - The **Pearl index** is a common measure of the effectiveness of a birth control method, indicating the number of accidental pregnancies per 100 women-years of exposure. - A lower Pearl index signifies a **more effective contraceptive method**, meaning fewer pregnancies occur during its use. *Total fertility rate* - The **total fertility rate (TFR)** represents the average number of children born to a woman over her lifetime if she were to experience current age-specific fertility rates. - It reflects overall **population reproduction trends** and not the failure rate of a specific contraceptive method. *Age specific fertility rate* - The **age-specific fertility rate (ASFR)** measures the number of births to women in a particular age group per 1,000 women in that age group per year. - This rate provides insights into **fertility patterns across different age brackets** but does not quantify contraceptive effectiveness. *Half life index* - The term **"half-life index"** is not a standard epidemiological or public health measure for contraceptive failure rates. - Half-life usually refers to the **time it takes for a substance to decrease by half** (e.g., drug elimination) or for a radioactive isotope to decay.

Q: Dehydration is not a feature of one of the following diseases :

Cerebral malaria. ***Cerebral malaria*** - This condition is characterized by neurological symptoms, including **impaired consciousness** and **seizures**, resulting from parasitic infection of the brain. - While patients may have fever and fluid loss from sweating, severe **dehydration is not a primary or defining feature** compared to other diseases listed. *MDR-TB* - Patients with **multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB)** often experience constitutional symptoms such as fever, night sweats, and significant anorexia. - These symptoms can lead to **severe weight loss** and **malnutrition**, contributing to chronic dehydration in advanced stages. *Pertussis* - **Pertussis**, or **whooping cough**, is characterized by severe paroxysmal coughing fits accompanied by inspiratory "whoops" and post-tussive vomiting. - The recurrent vomiting, especially in infants and young children, can quickly lead to **significant fluid loss** and **dehydration**. *Cholera* - **Cholera** is an acute diarrheal illness caused by *Vibrio cholerae*, leading to profuse, watery diarrhea and vomiting [1]. - The rapid and severe fluid loss in cholera can cause **life-threatening dehydration** and electrolyte imbalances within hours if untreated [1].

Q: Child starts speaking short sentences by the age of :

24 months. ***24 months*** - By **24 months (2 years old)**, children typically begin to combine two or more words into **short sentences** and use about 50 words or more. - They also start to follow simple instructions and point to named objects and pictures. *15 months* - At **15 months**, children usually say a few words and can point to show what they want, but **short sentences** are not yet typical. They might use gestures more often. - Their vocabulary is still developing and usually consists of single words like "mama" or "dada." *12 months* - At **12 months (1 year old)**, most children are just starting to say their first words and are primarily communicating through gestures and sounds. - They are generally not forming combinations of words into sentences at this stage. *36 months* - By **36 months (3 years old)**, children have more advanced language skills, using **3-4 word sentences**, understanding most of what they hear, and having a vocabulary of several hundred words. - This age represents a more mature stage of language development than the initial formation of short sentences.

Q: Which of the following is X-linked dominant trait?

Vitamin D resistant rickets. ***Vitamin D resistant rickets*** - This condition is characterized by **impaired kidney reabsorption of phosphate** and **defective bone mineralization**, leading to rickets, and it is inherited in an **X-linked dominant pattern**. - In X-linked dominant traits, an affected father will pass the trait to **all his daughters**, but none of his sons. An affected mother has a 50% chance of passing the trait to **each child**, regardless of sex. *Colour blindness* - **Color blindness** is an **X-linked recessive** disorder, meaning it is more common in males. - Affected individuals have **difficulty distinguishing certain colors**, usually red and green. *Haemophilia-A* - **Hemophilia A** is an **X-linked recessive** disorder caused by a deficiency in **Factor VIII**, leading to uncontrolled bleeding. - Males are predominantly affected, while females are typically carriers. *Duchenne muscular dystrophy* - **Duchenne muscular dystrophy** is an **X-linked recessive** disorder characterized by progressive muscle degeneration and weakness due to a mutation in the **dystrophin gene**. - It primarily affects males, with symptoms often appearing in early childhood.

Question 1

A village has a total of 100 under-five children. The coverage with measles vaccine in these age groups is 60%. Following the occurrence of a measles case in a child after a visit outside, twenty six children developed measles later. The secondary attack rate of measles is :

Accepted Answer

66.6%

Answer

26.0%

Answer

65.0%

Answer

16.6%

Question 2

The method of choice for purification of highly polluted water on a large scale is :

Accepted Answer

Super-chlorination followed by de-chlorination

Answer

Chlorination only

Answer

Ultraviolet light treatment

Answer

Boiling and chlorination

Question 3

The useful fertility indicator where birth registration statistics do not exist or are inadequate is :

Accepted Answer

Child-woman ratio

Answer

Abortion rate

Answer

Net reproduction rate

Answer

Male-female ratio

Question 4

Direct mailing as a means of communication, is an example of:

Accepted Answer

Individual approach

Answer

Group approach

Answer

Two way communication

Answer

Mass approach

Question 5

Mansonioides mosquito transmits the following disease :

Accepted Answer

Brugian filariasis

Answer

Dengue

Answer

Bancroftian filariasis

Answer

Malaria

Question 6

Failure rate of contraceptive method is determined by:

Accepted Answer

Pearl index

Answer

Total fertility rate

Answer

Age specific fertility rate

Answer

Half life index

Question 7

Dehydration is not a feature of one of the following diseases :

Accepted Answer

Cerebral malaria

Answer

MDR-TB

Answer

Pertussis

Answer

Cholera

Question 8

Autosomal recessive disorders include all except :

Accepted Answer

Retinoblastoma

Answer

Hirschsprung disease

Answer

Albinism

Answer

Sickle cell anaemia

Question 9

Child starts speaking short sentences by the age of :

Accepted Answer

24 months

Answer

15 months

Answer

12 months

Answer

36 months

Question 10

Which of the following is X-linked dominant trait?

Accepted Answer

Vitamin D resistant rickets

Answer

Colour blindness

Answer

Haemophilia-A

Answer

Duchenne muscular dystrophy

UPSC-CMS 2013

Community Medicine

Internal Medicine

Pathology

Pediatrics

Physiology