ATI RN
Questions on Epidemiology Questions
Question 1 of 5
Which would be one of the first steps in attempting to control a disease?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Standardized definitions of diseases are necessary for public health monitoring and surveillance across all levels of government. Diseases are defined and classified according to confirmed cases, probable cases, laboratory-confirmed cases, clinically compatible cases, epidemiologically linked cases, genetic typing, and clinical case definition. Once defined, disease occurrence can be compared across time, populations, and geographic areas, and appropriate control efforts can be implemented.
Question 2 of 5
A researcher, interested in the onset of early menses, compared the life experiences and history of 1000 14-year-old girls, half of whom had monthly periods and half of whom did not, to determine what variables might be observed. Which would be the most appropriate categorization of this study?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: When a study looks at individuals with a particular condition in comparison with those who do not have the disease, based on their exposures to various life situations, it is a retrospective study; that is, the study requires participants to look back at previous experiences. A cross-sectional study examines relationships between potential causal factors and disease at a specific time. A prospective study monitors a group of disease-free individuals to determine if and when disease occurs. A true experiment involves both an experimental group who receives an intervention and a control group who does not receive an intervention.
Question 3 of 5
In which one of the following circumstances will the prevalence of a disease in the population increase, all else being constant?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Prevalence = Incidence × Duration. If survival time with the disease increases (B), duration rises, increasing prevalence (e.g., better treatment for HIV increases the number living with it). A decreases incidence, lowering prevalence. C shortens duration via faster recovery, reducing prevalence. D increases the population size but not prevalence (proportion) if incidence and duration are constant.
Question 4 of 5
What is a pandemic?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A pandemic (B) is a widespread outbreak across multiple countries or continents (e.g., COVID-19). A is an epidemic, C is localized, and D is seasonal (e.g., flu), not necessarily pandemic.
Question 5 of 5
Which of the following is NOT a component of the epidemiological triad?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The triad is host (A), agent (B), and environment (D). Vector (C) is a transmission mode, not a core component.