Almost all of the diseases detected in neonatal screening programs have a very low prevalence; the strategy is to use the initial screening test to separate a highly suspect group from normal and then follow this suspect group aggressively. Of the following, the disease that has low prevalence rendering it not useful for neonatal screening testing is

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Neuroblastoma has a very low prevalence and is not typically screened for in neonatal programs due to its rarity and the inefficiency of mass screening for such a condition.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: CD4+ T cells are a type of white blood cell that plays an essential role in coordinating the immune system's response to infections. In individuals with HIV infection, the virus specifically targets and destroys CD4+ T cells. Therefore, measuring CD4+ levels provides valuable information about the extent of damage to the immune system caused by HIV. Monitoring CD4+ levels helps in assessing the progression of the disease and determining when to initiate antiretroviral therapy to prevent opportunistic infections. Additionally, CD4+ levels are used to determine the prognosis and guide treatment decisions in individuals with HIV.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Corticosteroids are not typically used in the treatment of heart insufficiency. The mainstay of treatment for heart insufficiency includes medications like oxygen, digoxin, diuretics, and sometimes blood transfusions of packed red blood cells. Corticosteroids are more commonly used to reduce inflammation and immune responses in conditions like asthma, arthritis, and certain autoimmune diseases.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The best explanation of emphysema for a newly diagnosed patient is that "Your lungs have lost some of their elasticity, and air gets trapped." This explanation succinctly captures the key characteristic of emphysema, which is the destruction of the alveoli in the lungs leading to the loss of elasticity. When the alveoli lose their elasticity, they are not able to effectively expel air during exhalation, causing air to become trapped in the lungs. This trapped air leads to difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, and other respiratory symptoms commonly associated with emphysema. This explanation is clear and focuses on the primary pathology of emphysema, making it the most appropriate choice for a newly diagnosed patient to understand their condition.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Thalassemia major is a genetic disorder characterized by abnormal hemoglobin production. Individuals with thalassemia major require frequent blood transfusions to manage their anemia, leading to iron overload in the body. Over time, this excess iron can accumulate in various organs such as the liver, heart, and endocrine glands, causing damage and dysfunction. This condition is known as hemochromatosis. Long-term complications of hemochromatosis include liver cirrhosis, heart failure, diabetes, and endocrine disorders. Therefore, the long-term complications seen in thalassemia major are primarily associated with hemochromatosis rather than anemia, growth retardation, or splenomegaly.