Which age group is most vulnerable to protein-energy malnutrition (PEM)?

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: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Sunken fontanelle. Dehydration in infants can cause the fontanelle, the soft spot on the baby's head, to appear sunken. This is due to decreased fluid levels in the body. Sunken fontanelle is a common and easily identifiable sign of dehydration in infants. The other choices are incorrect because frequent urination is not typically associated with dehydration in infants, excessive drooling can be a normal part of teething, and increased appetite is not a specific sign of dehydration in infants.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Physical inactivity. Physical inactivity is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases because regular exercise helps maintain a healthy heart and blood vessels. It reduces the risk of developing conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and obesity, which are all linked to cardiovascular diseases. In contrast, choices A, C, and D are not major risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. Low cholesterol levels (A) are usually considered beneficial for heart health, low blood pressure (C) is generally a sign of good cardiovascular health, and while adequate sleep (D) is important for overall well-being, it is not directly linked to cardiovascular diseases.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administering oral rehydration solution. This is the appropriate method for treating dehydration in infants because it helps replace lost fluids and electrolytes effectively. Oral rehydration solution contains the right balance of water, salts, and sugars needed to rehydrate the infant. It is safe and easy for infants to consume. Providing fruit juice (B) is not recommended as it may contain too much sugar and not enough electrolytes. Increasing milk intake (C) can worsen dehydration due to difficulty digesting milk during dehydration. Administering antibiotics (D) is not necessary for dehydration treatment as it does not address the primary issue of fluid and electrolyte loss.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Folic acid. Folic acid is essential for fetal development, especially in preventing neural tube defects. It aids in the formation of the neural tube, which develops into the baby's brain and spinal cord. Pregnant women are advised to take folic acid supplements to reduce the risk of these defects. Rationale for other choices: A: Vitamin C - While important for overall health, Vitamin C does not specifically reduce the risk of neural tube defects. B: Vitamin D - Important for bone health, but not directly linked to reducing neural tube defects. D: Iron - Necessary for preventing anemia during pregnancy, but not specifically known to reduce the risk of neural tube defects.

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: 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: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Folic acid. Folic acid is essential for preventing neural tube defects because it plays a crucial role in DNA synthesis and cell division, particularly during early fetal development. Adequate folic acid intake before and during pregnancy can significantly reduce the risk of neural tube defects. Iron (A), Vitamin C (B), and Calcium (C) are important nutrients for overall health but do not have a direct role in preventing neural tube defects. Iron is vital for red blood cell production, Vitamin C is an antioxidant that supports the immune system, and Calcium is essential for bone health. However, for preventing neural tube defects specifically, folic acid is the essential nutrient.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Poliomyelitis. The EPI targets diseases for eradication through vaccination programs. Polio is a priority due to its devastating effects and the effectiveness of the polio vaccine. Hepatitis B (A) is not currently targeted for eradication. Diphtheria (B) and Tuberculosis (D) are controlled through vaccination and treatment but are not targeted for global eradication efforts.