Which of the following is a key strategy in the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Antiretroviral therapy. This is a key strategy because it involves giving HIV medications to the mother during pregnancy, labor, and delivery, as well as to the newborn, significantly reducing the risk of transmission. Antiretroviral therapy helps lower the viral load in the mother's body, making it less likely for the virus to be passed on to the child. Exclusive breastfeeding (choice A) can increase the risk of transmission, routine immunization (choice B) does not directly prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV, and nutritional supplementation (choice D) is not a primary strategy for preventing transmission.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: To provide immunizations to all children. The primary aim of the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) is to ensure that all children receive essential vaccinations to prevent vaccine-preventable diseases. This program focuses on increasing vaccination coverage and reaching all children, especially those in underserved populations. Providing immunizations to all children helps in reducing the spread of infectious diseases and contributes to overall public health. Incorrect choices: A: To eliminate non-communicable diseases - This is not the primary aim of EPI. EPI primarily focuses on preventing communicable diseases through vaccinations. B: To increase hospital bed capacity - This is not the primary goal of EPI. Increasing hospital bed capacity is related to healthcare infrastructure, not vaccination programs. D: To train more healthcare workers - While training healthcare workers is important for delivering immunizations, it is not the primary aim of EPI. The main goal is to provide vaccinations to all children.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Vaccination. Vaccination is the most effective method for preventing the spread of infectious diseases because it helps build immunity against specific pathogens, reducing the likelihood of infection and transmission. Vaccines train the immune system to recognize and fight off harmful microorganisms. Antibiotic treatment (A) is used to treat bacterial infections, not prevent the spread of diseases. Quarantine (B) is effective in isolating infected individuals but does not prevent the initial spread of diseases. Nutritional supplementation (D) can support overall health but is not a direct method for preventing infectious diseases.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 6 months. Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended by WHO for the first 6 months of a baby's life. This is because breast milk provides all the essential nutrients and antibodies needed for a baby's optimal growth and development during this critical period. Introducing other foods or liquids before 6 months can increase the risk of infections and allergies in infants. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because they do not align with the WHO guidelines for exclusive breastfeeding duration.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Tertiary prevention focuses on managing and improving quality of life for individuals with existing health conditions. Physical rehabilitation programs fall under this category as they help individuals recover and regain functioning after an illness or injury. This intervention aims to prevent further complications and disabilities. Vaccination campaigns (A) and health education seminars (B) are examples of primary and secondary prevention, focusing on preventing diseases before they occur or detecting them early. Early disease screening (D) is also a form of secondary prevention, aiming to detect diseases in their early stages before symptoms appear.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Vaccination. Preventive measures aim to prevent diseases before they occur. Vaccination helps the immune system recognize and fight specific pathogens, reducing the risk of infection and disease transmission. Chemotherapy (A) is a treatment for cancer, not prevention. Radiation therapy (C) and surgical intervention (D) are also treatments rather than preventive measures. Vaccination stands out as the only option that directly addresses disease prevention, making it the correct choice.

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: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Maternal HIV infection. Breastfeeding is contraindicated in mothers with HIV due to the risk of transmission to the infant through breast milk. HIV can be transmitted through breast milk even if the mother is on antiretroviral therapy. Maternal diabetes, anemia, and hypertension are not contraindications for breastfeeding as long as they are well managed. Breastfeeding is actually beneficial in managing diabetes and anemia. Hypertensive mothers can breastfeed unless there are complications that require specific medications that may be unsafe for the infant.

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.