UPSC-CMS 2025 - Community Medicine Practice Questions

Q: A housefly transmits any infectious agent by which of the following methods, most commonly?

Mechanical transmission. ***Mechanical transmission (Correct Answer)*** - Houseflies are **classic mechanical vectors** that transmit pathogens through physical transfer. - They pick up pathogens on their **legs, proboscis, or body hairs** from contaminated sources (feces, garbage) and physically transport them to food or other surfaces. - This method involves **no biological multiplication or development** of the pathogen within the fly. - Common diseases transmitted: **Typhoid, cholera, dysentery, diarrheal diseases, trachoma**. *Propagative transmission (Incorrect)* - This involves the **multiplication** of the pathogen within the vector, but no developmental changes. - Houseflies do **not** support pathogen multiplication in their bodies. - Example of this type: Mosquitoes transmitting **arboviruses** like dengue or Zika. *Cyclo-propagative transmission (Incorrect)* - The pathogen undergoes both **multiplication and developmental changes** within the vector. - Houseflies are **not biological vectors** and cannot support this process. - Classic example: **Malarial parasite** (Plasmodium) in Anopheles mosquitoes. *Cyclo-developmental transmission (Incorrect)* - The pathogen undergoes **developmental changes** within the vector but does not multiply. - Houseflies do **not** serve as intermediate hosts for pathogen development. - Example: **Filarial worms** in mosquitoes developing into infective larvae.

Q: In the case of a 7 -year-old school-going child, which would be the most appropriate indicator to measure the current nutritional status?

Mid upper arm circumference. ***Mid upper arm circumference*** - **Mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC)** is the most appropriate indicator among the given options for assessing **current nutritional status** in a 7-year-old school-going child. - While traditionally emphasized for children 6-59 months, **MUAC is increasingly recognized as a valid indicator for school-aged children (5-15 years)** for detecting acute malnutrition and wasting. - MUAC is **age-independent, practical, and can be measured easily** in school settings, making it particularly useful for screening current nutritional status in this age group. - **Note:** Ideally, **BMI-for-age** is the gold standard recommended by WHO and IAP for children aged 5-19 years, but it is not among the options provided. *Weight for height* - **Weight-for-height (WFH)** is primarily recommended for **children under 5 years of age** or those with height 5 years), **BMI-for-age is the preferred indicator**, not WFH. - WFH becomes less accurate and less practical in older children, making it inappropriate as the primary indicator for a 7-year-old. *Birth weight* - **Birth weight** reflects **intrauterine growth and nutritional status at delivery**, not the current nutritional status of a 7-year-old child. - It is useful for assessing risk factors and early life influences but has no bearing on current nutritional assessment in school-aged children. *Head circumference* - **Head circumference** is primarily used to assess **brain growth** and detect conditions like **microcephaly or macrocephaly**, particularly in infancy and early childhood (up to 2-3 years). - In a 7-year-old, head growth has largely plateaued, and this measurement is **not useful for assessing current general nutritional status**.

Q: Consider the following statements with regard to Home Based Newborn Care (HBNC) : I. Early detection and special care of pre-term newborns is one of the major objectives of HBNC. II. ANM is the main person involved in the delivery of HBNC. III. Supporting the family for adoption of healthy practices helps achieve the key objectives of HBNC. IV. The primary aim of HBNC is to improve newborn survival. Which of the statements given above are correct?

I, III and IV only. ***I, III and IV only*** - **Statement I is CORRECT**: Early detection and special care of **pre-term and low birth weight newborns** is a major objective of HBNC, as preterm birth is a significant risk factor for neonatal morbidity and mortality. - **Statement III is CORRECT**: Supporting families in adopting **healthy practices** like optimal breastfeeding, cord care, thermal regulation, and recognition of danger signs is fundamental to achieving HBNC objectives. - **Statement IV is CORRECT**: The **primary aim of HBNC** is to **improve newborn survival** and reduce neonatal mortality by ensuring essential healthcare services reach every newborn through home visits. - **Statement II is INCORRECT**: **ASHA workers** are the main persons involved in delivering HBNC through home visits (minimum 6 visits for institutional deliveries, more for home deliveries). ANMs provide **supervisory support** but are NOT the primary service deliverers. *I and II only* - Incorrect because statement II is false - **ASHA workers**, not ANMs, are the primary HBNC service providers. *I, II, III and IV* - Incorrect because statement II is false - ANMs supervise HBNC but **ASHA workers** conduct the actual home visits and deliver care. *II and III only* - Incorrect because statement II is false, and statements I and IV (which are correct) are excluded from this option.

Q: Under which name (brand) does the National AIDS Control Organisation provide the STI/RTI services?

Suraksha Clinic. ***Suraksha Clinic*** - The National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO) provides its **STI/RTI services** under the brand name **Suraksha Clinic**. - These clinics offer confidential testing, treatment, and counseling for sexually transmitted infections and reproductive tract infections, aiming to control their spread. *Chhaya Clinic* - This is not the recognized brand name under which NACO provides STI/RTI services. - **NACO's initiatives** are specifically branded to ensure consistency and public recognition of their health programs. *Antara Clinic* - This is not the correct brand name for NACO's STI/RTI services. - The names of public health initiatives are often chosen to reflect their purpose and are standardized by the implementing organization. *Sathi Clinic* - This is not the designated name for NACO's STI/RTI services. - **Brand recognition** is crucial for public health programs to ensure that individuals seeking specific services can easily identify the correct facilities.

Q: Which one of the following is the major contributor to the total energy intake, in terms of energy provided, in an average Indian diet?

Carbohydrates. ***Carbohydrates*** - **Carbohydrates** are the primary source of energy in an average Indian diet, mainly from staple foods like rice, wheat, and millets. - They provide approximately **4 kcal/gram** and constitute the bulk of daily caloric intake for most individuals in India. *Proteins* - While essential for growth and repair, **proteins** are typically consumed in smaller quantities than carbohydrates in the average Indian diet. - They provide about **4 kcal/gram**, but total protein intake often contributes less to overall energy compared to carbohydrates. *Fats* - **Fats** are the most energy-dense macronutrient, providing **9 kcal/gram**, but their overall contribution to total energy intake is usually less than that of carbohydrates. - The typical Indian diet emphasizes carbohydrate-rich vegetarian staples, with fats often used for cooking rather than forming the primary energy source. *Vitamins* - **Vitamins** are micronutrients essential for various bodily functions and do not provide any direct energy (calories). - They are crucial for metabolic processes but are not considered a source of energy intake.

Q: Which of the following strategies were encouraged by the UNICEF under its 'GOBI Campaign'? I. G for growth charts to better monitor child development II. O for oral rehydration to treat all mild and moderate dehydration III. B for better and continuous evaluation of children up to 5 years of age IV. I for immunization against measles, diphtheria, polio, pertussis, tetanus and tuberculosis Select the correct answer using the code given below :

I, II and IV. ***I, II and IV*** - The **GOBI campaign** by UNICEF stands for Growth monitoring, Oral rehydration, Breastfeeding, and Immunization. - Option I (**Growth charts**) and Option IV (**Immunization**) are direct components of the GOBI strategy; Option II (**Oral rehydration**) is also a key part of the strategy, as its second letter 'O' refers to Oral Rehydration. *I, III and IV* - This option incorrectly includes "better and continuous evaluation of children up to 5 years of age" as part of the GOBI campaign, which, while important child health practice, was not a direct component of the acronym. - The 'B' in GOBI specifically stands for **Breastfeeding**, not "better and continuous evaluation," making option III incorrect. *I, II and III* - This option incorrectly includes the detailed interpretation of 'B' as "better and continuous evaluation of children up to 5 years of age." - The actual 'B' in GOBI represents **Breastfeeding**, a crucial intervention for child health and nutrition. *II, III and IV* - This option omits "I. G for **growth charts to better monitor child development**," which is a fundamental component of the GOBI strategy (the 'G' in GOBI). - It also incorrectly interprets 'B' as "better and continuous evaluation," instead of **Breastfeeding**.

Q: What is the limit of daily exposure of noise that people can tolerate without substantial damage to their hearing?

85 dB. ***85 dB*** - The **National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)** and **WHO** recommend an exposure limit of **85 dB** averaged over an 8-hour workday to prevent noise-induced hearing loss. - This is the internationally recognized safe limit; OSHA uses 85 dB as the **action level** for implementing hearing conservation programs (though OSHA's permissible exposure limit is 90 dB). - Exposure to noise levels above this threshold for prolonged periods can cause **permanent damage** to the hair cells in the cochlea. *Incorrect Option: 105 dB* - Exposure to **105 dB** for even a short duration (e.g., 10-15 minutes) can cause significant and potentially **irreversible hearing damage**. - This level is characteristic of very loud environments such as **heavy machinery** or **live concerts**. *Incorrect Option: 65 dB* - This level is considered **safe and non-damaging** for daily exposure even over extended periods. - It is typically the noise level of a normal **conversation** or a quiet office environment. - This is below the threshold where hearing protection is needed. *Incorrect Option: 90 dB* - While 90 dB is OSHA's permissible exposure limit for an 8-hour average, it carries a **higher risk of hearing loss** compared to the safer 85 dB standard. - Prolonged exposure at this level significantly increases the likelihood of developing **noise-induced hearing impairment**. - NIOSH and WHO recommend the lower 85 dB limit for better hearing protection.

Q: How much illumination is recommended by the Illuminating Engineering Society for general office work?

400 lux. ***400 lux*** - The **Illuminating Engineering Society (IES)** recommends 400 lux for general office work, which includes tasks requiring moderate visual precision. - This level of illumination ensures **adequate visibility** and **reduces eye strain** for typical office activities. *200 lux* - This level is generally considered **too low** for detailed office work and would likely lead to eye fatigue and reduced productivity. - 200 lux might be suitable for casual areas like **corridors** or **waiting rooms**, but not for active work environments. *100 lux* - **100 lux** is an extremely low level of illumination, typically suitable for areas with very minimal visual requirements, such as **storage rooms or archives**. - It is **insufficient** for any form of general office work, making tasks difficult and uncomfortable. *900 lux* - While providing high illumination, **900 lux** is usually considered **excessive** for general office work and can lead to glare and discomfort. - Such high levels are typically reserved for **precision tasks** like drafting or detailed examination, where very fine visual discrimination is needed.

Q: With which variety of asbestos, Mesothelioma has been shown to have a strong association?

Crocidolite. ***Crocidolite*** - **Crocidolite**, also known as blue asbestos, is the type of asbestos with the **strongest association** with the development of **mesothelioma**. - Its thin, needle-like fibers are highly durable and tend to penetrate deeply into lung tissue, making it particularly carcinogenic. *Amosite* - **Amosite**, or brown asbestos, is also associated with an increased risk of mesothelioma, but its carcinogenic potential is generally considered **lower than crocidolite**. - Exposure to amosite can also lead to other asbestos-related diseases such as **asbestosis** and **lung cancer**. *Chrysotile* - **Chrysotile**, or white asbestos, is the most commonly used type of asbestos and is generally thought to be **less carcinogenic** than amphibole forms like crocidolite and amosite. - While it can still cause mesothelioma, the risk is lower compared to crocidolite, and it is more commonly associated with **asbestosis**. *Anthophyllite* - **Anthophyllite** is a rare form of asbestos with a limited industrial history and **less data** regarding its direct association with mesothelioma compared to other types. - However, like all asbestos fibers, it is classified as a human carcinogen and exposure can contribute to the development of asbestos-related diseases.

Q: Under the Biomedical Waste Management Rules 2016, human anatomical waste is to be carried in which colour plastic bags?

Yellow. ***Yellow*** - **Human anatomical waste** (e.g., organs, tissues, body parts) is designated to be collected in **yellow** plastic bags according to the Biomedical Waste Management Rules 2016. - This category also includes soiled waste (items contaminated with blood/body fluids), expired medicines, and chemical waste. - This waste is typically **incinerated or deeply buried** to ensure proper disposal and prevent the spread of infection. *Red* - **Red** plastic bags are used for **contaminated waste (recyclable)**, such as tubing, catheters, intravenous sets, soiled gloves, and other contaminated plastic items. - This waste is **sterilized by autoclaving/microwaving** before being shredded and sent for recycling. *White* - **White (translucent)** bags are used for **sharp waste** including needles, syringes with needles, scalpel blades, and broken glass. - Also used for waste sharps including metals. - This waste is **disinfected by autoclaving/microwaving** and then subjected to shredding or mutilation. *Blue* - **Blue** bags are used for **glassware and metallic body implants** (e.g., broken or discarded glass vials, ampoules). - This waste is **disinfected/autoclaved** and then sent for recycling or appropriate disposal.

Question 1

A housefly transmits any infectious agent by which of the following methods, most commonly?

Accepted Answer

Mechanical transmission

Answer

Propagative transmission

Answer

Cyclo-propagative transmission

Answer

Cyclo-developmental transmission

Question 2

In the case of a 7 -year-old school-going child, which would be the most appropriate indicator to measure the current nutritional status?

Accepted Answer

Mid upper arm circumference

Answer

Birth weight

Answer

Head circumference

Answer

Weight for height

Question 3

Consider the following statements with regard to Home Based Newborn Care (HBNC) :
I. Early detection and special care of pre-term newborns is one of the major objectives of HBNC.
II. ANM is the main person involved in the delivery of HBNC.
III. Supporting the family for adoption of healthy practices helps achieve the key objectives of HBNC.
IV. The primary aim of HBNC is to improve newborn survival.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

Accepted Answer

I, III and IV only

Answer

I and II only

Answer

I, II, III and IV

Answer

II and III only

Question 4

Under which name (brand) does the National AIDS Control Organisation provide the STI/RTI services?

Accepted Answer

Suraksha Clinic

Answer

Chhaya Clinic

Answer

Antara Clinic

Answer

Sathi Clinic

Question 5

Which one of the following is the major contributor to the total energy intake, in terms of energy provided, in an average Indian diet?

Accepted Answer

Carbohydrates

Answer

Proteins

Answer

Fats

Answer

Vitamins

Question 6

Which of the following strategies were encouraged by the UNICEF under its 'GOBI Campaign'?
I. G for growth charts to better monitor child development
II. O for oral rehydration to treat all mild and moderate dehydration
III. B for better and continuous evaluation of children up to 5 years of age
IV. I for immunization against measles, diphtheria, polio, pertussis, tetanus and tuberculosis

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

Accepted Answer

I, II and IV

Answer

I, III and IV

Answer

I, II and III

Answer

II, III and IV

Question 7

What is the limit of daily exposure of noise that people can tolerate without substantial damage to their hearing?

Accepted Answer

85 dB

Answer

105 dB

Answer

65 dB

Answer

90 dB

Question 8

How much illumination is recommended by the Illuminating Engineering Society for general office work?

Accepted Answer

400 lux

Answer

200 lux

Answer

100 lux

Answer

900 lux

Question 9

With which variety of asbestos, Mesothelioma has been shown to have a strong association?

Accepted Answer

Crocidolite

Answer

Amosite

Answer

Chrysotile

Answer

Anthophyllite

Question 10

Under the Biomedical Waste Management Rules 2016, human anatomical waste is to be carried in which colour plastic bags?

Accepted Answer

Yellow

Answer

Red

Answer

White

Answer

Blue

UPSC-CMS 2025 — Community Medicine