What is the recommended duration of exclusive breastfeeding?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The recommended duration of exclusive breastfeeding is 6 months. This is because breast milk provides all the necessary nutrients for an infant's growth and development in the first 6 months of life. Introducing solid foods too early can increase the risk of infections and allergies. Choice A (3 months) is not ideal as it may not provide sufficient nutrients for the baby's growth. Choices C (9 months) and D (12 months) exceed the recommended duration and may not be necessary for exclusive breastfeeding, as other foods can be introduced after 6 months.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Children aged 1-4 years. This age group is most vulnerable to PEM due to their rapid growth and development, high energy requirements, and dependency on caregivers for nutrition. Infants below 6 months are typically protected by breast milk, adolescents have lower risk due to fewer growth demands, and elderly are more at risk for other types of malnutrition. Therefore, children aged 1-4 years are the most vulnerable to PEM.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Frequent handwashing. Handwashing is essential for preventing the spread of healthcare-associated infections as it helps remove and kill harmful bacteria and viruses. By washing hands regularly, healthcare workers can reduce the risk of transmitting infections between patients. Sharing medical equipment (B) can actually increase the spread of infections. Reducing patient turnover (C) can help minimize exposure, but without proper hand hygiene, infections can still spread. Increasing hospital bed capacity (D) is unrelated to preventing infections. Therefore, A is the most effective practice for infection control.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Integrated case management of childhood illnesses. This is a key component of the IMCI (Integrated Management of Childhood Illness) strategy, which focuses on a holistic approach to managing common childhood illnesses at the primary healthcare level. IMCI includes assessing and classifying sick children, providing appropriate treatments, counseling caregivers, and ensuring follow-up care. This strategy aims to reduce childhood morbidity and mortality by improving the quality of care provided to children. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as they do not directly align with the key component of the IMCI strategy. Promoting hospital-based care (A) may not be feasible or sustainable in resource-limited settings where primary healthcare is crucial. Providing routine immunizations (B) is important but is not the primary focus of the IMCI strategy. Enhancing maternal nutrition (C) is essential for maternal and child health but is not a key component of the IMCI strategy, which specifically targets childhood illnesses.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Encouraging skin-to-skin contact after birth. This practice is part of the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) as it promotes bonding, initiates breastfeeding, and helps regulate the baby's temperature and breathing. Skin-to-skin contact also supports the establishment of breastfeeding and enhances maternal-infant attachment. Incorrect Choices: A: Promoting the use of infant formula - This goes against the BFHI, which promotes exclusive breastfeeding. C: Separating mother and baby after delivery - BFHI encourages keeping mother and baby together to promote bonding and breastfeeding. D: Scheduling feedings at fixed intervals - BFHI promotes feeding on demand to support breastfeeding and responsive feeding practices.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The primary purpose of administering Vitamin K to newborns is to prevent bleeding disorders. Vitamin K is essential for the production of blood clotting factors, which helps prevent excessive bleeding. Newborns are born with low levels of Vitamin K, putting them at risk for bleeding disorders like vitamin K deficiency bleeding. Administering Vitamin K at birth helps ensure proper blood clotting function. The other choices are incorrect because Vitamin K does not directly prevent infection, promote growth, or enhance immune function in newborns.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Hepatitis B. Newborns are typically administered the Hepatitis B vaccine within the first 24 hours of birth to prevent transmission from infected mothers. This early vaccination helps protect infants from a potentially serious viral infection. The other choices are incorrect because BCG is usually given for tuberculosis, OPV is an oral polio vaccine, and Measles vaccination is typically given at a later age. Administering Hepatitis B vaccine to newborns is a crucial preventive measure against a common viral infection transmitted from mother to child.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because a community health nurse focuses on promoting health and preventing disease within the community through education, advocacy, and preventive care. This role involves working with individuals, families, and communities to improve overall health outcomes. A: Providing acute care in hospitals is incorrect as this is typically the role of hospital nurses, not community health nurses. B: Conducting surgeries is incorrect as this is a task performed by surgeons or operating room nurses, not community health nurses. D: Diagnosing and treating medical conditions is incorrect as this falls under the responsibility of healthcare providers such as physicians or nurse practitioners, not community health nurses.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months provides complete nutrition for the infant, meeting all their dietary needs. Breast milk contains essential nutrients and antibodies that support healthy growth and development. It also helps to strengthen the baby's immune system and reduce the risk of infections. Ensuring complete nutrition through breastfeeding is crucial for optimal health outcomes in the early stages of life. Preventing childhood obesity, increasing the risk of allergies, and delaying cognitive development are not directly linked to exclusive breastfeeding and are therefore incorrect choices.