What is the purpose of a population pyramid?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: To illustrate the age and sex composition of a population. Population pyramids graphically represent the age and gender structure of a population, showing the distribution of different age groups and genders within a population at a specific point in time. This information is crucial for policymakers and demographers to understand population dynamics, such as birth rates, life expectancy, and potential workforce size. Choice A (To show the distribution of income levels) is incorrect because income levels are not typically depicted in a population pyramid. Choice C (To compare the incidence of diseases) is incorrect because population pyramids do not provide information on disease prevalence. Choice D (To display the literacy rates) is incorrect as literacy rates are also not typically included in population pyramids.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Folic acid. Folic acid is critical for preventing neural tube defects as it is essential for proper development of the neural tube in the fetus. It helps in the formation of the baby's brain and spinal cord. Iron (A) is important for preventing anemia, not neural tube defects. Calcium (B) is crucial for bone health but not directly related to neural tube development. Vitamin D (D) is important for calcium absorption, but not specifically for preventing neural tube defects. Overall, folic acid stands out as the most critical nutrient for this purpose.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Exclusive breastfeeding provides complete nutrition for the first 6 months of a baby's life as breast milk contains all necessary nutrients. This is crucial for infant growth and development. It is recommended by health organizations worldwide. Other choices are incorrect: A is not directly related to breastfeeding, B is false as breastfeeding actually helps reduce allergies, and D is not a primary benefit of exclusive breastfeeding.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Prevention and treatment of childhood illnesses. The IMCI strategy focuses on a holistic approach that includes both prevention and treatment of common childhood illnesses. It emphasizes promoting healthy practices, early detection, appropriate treatment, and follow-up care. Hospital-based care (A) is not the primary focus as IMCI aims to improve health outcomes at the community level. Curative care only (B) is also not correct as prevention is a key component of IMCI. Surgical interventions (D) are not the primary focus of IMCI, which aims to address a wide range of common childhood illnesses with a comprehensive approach.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Infant mortality rate. This indicator reflects the number of infants who die before reaching one year of age per 1,000 live births. It is a crucial measure of the overall health of a population as it reflects the quality of healthcare, nutrition, and living conditions. High infant mortality rates indicate poor health outcomes and inadequate healthcare services. A: Literacy rate is not directly related to measuring the health status of a population. B: GDP measures the economic performance of a country and does not directly reflect the health status of its population. D: Employment rate is an indicator of the labor market situation, not specifically related to health status measurement.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: To boost the immune system. Vitamin A is essential for maintaining a healthy immune system by supporting the production and function of white blood cells. This helps the body fight off infections and illnesses. Administering Vitamin A to children can help prevent deficiencies and strengthen their immune response. Explanation of why the other choices are incorrect: A: Vitamin D is more closely associated with improving bone health, not Vitamin A. C: Cognitive development is primarily influenced by nutrients like iron and omega-3 fatty acids, rather than Vitamin A. D: Anemia is usually prevented by iron supplementation, not Vitamin A.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Airborne. Tuberculosis is primarily transmitted through the air via droplets released when an infected person coughs or sneezes. These droplets contain the bacteria that cause TB, which can then be inhaled by others and infect their lungs. This mode of transmission is supported by scientific evidence and is the most common way TB spreads. Choice A: Vector-borne is incorrect because tuberculosis is not transmitted by insects or animals. Choice C: Waterborne is incorrect as TB is not typically spread through contaminated water. Choice D: Fecal-oral is incorrect since TB bacteria are not typically found in feces and transmitted through oral ingestion.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Breastfeeding provides passive immunity to the infant. Breast milk contains antibodies that help protect the baby from infections. This passive immunity is crucial for the infant's developing immune system. A: Breastfeeding does not directly reduce the risk of postpartum hemorrhage. C: Breastfeeding is actually associated with a reduced risk of breast cancer. D: Breastfeeding can delay the return of menstruation due to hormonal changes, but this is not the main benefit of breastfeeding. In summary, the key benefit of breastfeeding is providing passive immunity to the infant, which is crucial for their health and development.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The primary goal of the Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI) strategy is to reduce child mortality and morbidity. This strategy focuses on providing holistic care to children, including early detection and treatment of common childhood illnesses. By improving healthcare access and quality, IMCI aims to decrease the number of children dying from preventable diseases. Explanation: A: Reducing the incidence of childhood diseases is important but not the primary goal of IMCI. The strategy is more focused on reducing mortality and morbidity. B: Improving nutritional status is essential for child health but is not the primary goal of IMCI. D: Promoting exclusive breastfeeding is a key component of child health but is not the primary goal of IMCI.