In a study on the factors contributing to the high mortality rate due to heart diseases in the municipality, which branch of epidemiology is being practiced?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Analytical epidemiology. This branch focuses on investigating the causes and risk factors of diseases, such as heart diseases in the municipality. It involves comparing groups to identify associations and determine causality, which aligns with studying factors contributing to high mortality rates. Descriptive epidemiology (choice A) describes the distribution of diseases but does not delve into causes. Therapeutic epidemiology (choice C) focuses on treatment interventions, not causes. Evaluation epidemiology (choice D) assesses the effectiveness of programs, not specifically causes of diseases.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because participating in the investigation to determine the source of the epidemic is a key epidemiologic function of the nurse during an epidemic. This involves identifying the origin of the outbreak to implement targeted control measures and prevent further spread. A is incorrect because while conducting assessments is important, it is not a specific epidemiologic function related to determining the source of an epidemic. B is incorrect as monitoring cases focuses on individual care rather than epidemiologic investigation. D is incorrect as educating the community, while important, is not directly related to determining the source of the epidemic.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The primary purpose of conducting an epidemiologic investigation is to delineate the etiology of the epidemic. This involves studying the causes and risk factors contributing to the outbreak of the disease. Understanding the etiology helps in developing prevention and control strategies. Other choices are incorrect because encouraging cooperation and support of the community (B) and identifying groups at risk (C) are important outcomes but not the primary purpose of the investigation. Similarly, identifying geographical locations of disease cases (D) is essential for mapping the spread but not the main objective of determining the cause.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because person-to-person propagated epidemics typically exhibit a gradual build-up of cases before becoming easily noticeable. This is due to the slow transmission of the disease from one individual to another. In contrast, choice A is incorrect because having more cases than expected is not a characteristic unique to person-to-person propagation. Choice B is incorrect as person-to-person transmission does not necessarily involve a vector. Choice C is incorrect because common vehicle spread refers to a different mode of disease transmission.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Establishing the epidemic. During this stage, comparing the present disease frequency with the usual frequency helps determine if there is a significant increase, indicating an epidemic. This step is crucial for recognizing and confirming the outbreak. Testing the hypothesis (B) comes after the epidemic is established. Formulation of the hypothesis (C) involves developing a theory based on observations, not comparing frequencies. Appraisal of facts (D) occurs after data collection, not during the initial comparison.