Preventive Medicine # MCQs Practice set

Q.1 Which vaccine is recommended for all adults at age 65 and above to prevent pneumonia?

Influenza vaccine
Pneumococcal vaccine
Hepatitis B vaccine
Tetanus vaccine
Explanation - Adults over 65 are at higher risk for pneumococcal infections, making the pneumococcal vaccine important for prevention.
Correct answer is: Pneumococcal vaccine

Q.2 What is the primary purpose of screening tests in preventive medicine?

To cure diseases
To detect diseases early
To prevent all diseases
To replace treatment
Explanation - Screening is designed to detect diseases at an early stage to allow timely intervention.
Correct answer is: To detect diseases early

Q.3 Which of the following is a modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease?

Age
Family history
Smoking
Genetics
Explanation - Smoking is a modifiable lifestyle factor that significantly increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Correct answer is: Smoking

Q.4 What is the recommended interval for colon cancer screening with colonoscopy in average-risk adults?

Every 5 years
Every 10 years
Every 2 years
Only once in a lifetime
Explanation - Average-risk adults should undergo colonoscopy every 10 years starting at age 45–50.
Correct answer is: Every 10 years

Q.5 Which vitamin deficiency is prevented by sunlight exposure?

Vitamin A
Vitamin B12
Vitamin C
Vitamin D
Explanation - Sunlight exposure helps the skin synthesize Vitamin D, which is important for bone health.
Correct answer is: Vitamin D

Q.6 What is the most effective way to prevent the spread of influenza?

Taking antibiotics
Annual vaccination
Drinking warm fluids
Vitamin supplements
Explanation - The influenza vaccine is the most effective preventive measure against seasonal flu.
Correct answer is: Annual vaccination

Q.7 Which screening is recommended for women starting at age 40–50 depending on guidelines?

Pap smear
Mammogram
Colonoscopy
Bone density scan
Explanation - Mammograms are recommended for breast cancer screening in women starting at age 40–50.
Correct answer is: Mammogram

Q.8 Which lifestyle modification is most effective in preventing type 2 diabetes?

Reducing salt intake
Quitting smoking
Weight management and exercise
Taking vitamins
Explanation - Maintaining a healthy weight and regular exercise can greatly reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes.
Correct answer is: Weight management and exercise

Q.9 What is herd immunity?

Protection of an individual by personal vaccination
Resistance of a group due to high vaccination coverage
A treatment method for infections
A type of natural immunity
Explanation - Herd immunity occurs when a large portion of the population is immune, protecting even unvaccinated individuals.
Correct answer is: Resistance of a group due to high vaccination coverage

Q.10 Which screening test is recommended for cervical cancer?

Pap smear
Colonoscopy
Mammogram
Prostate exam
Explanation - Pap smears are used to detect cervical cancer at an early stage.
Correct answer is: Pap smear

Q.11 What is the most common preventable cause of lung cancer?

Air pollution
Smoking
Occupational exposure
Radon gas
Explanation - Cigarette smoking is the leading preventable cause of lung cancer worldwide.
Correct answer is: Smoking

Q.12 How often should blood pressure be checked in healthy adults?

Once every 10 years
Every 5 years
Every 2 years
Never if no symptoms
Explanation - Blood pressure should be checked at least every 2 years in adults with normal readings.
Correct answer is: Every 2 years

Q.13 What is the main benefit of handwashing in public health?

Cures infections
Prevents spread of infections
Strengthens the immune system
Provides vitamins
Explanation - Handwashing is a key preventive measure to stop the spread of infectious diseases.
Correct answer is: Prevents spread of infections

Q.14 Which vaccine prevents cervical cancer?

HPV vaccine
Hepatitis B vaccine
Influenza vaccine
Pneumococcal vaccine
Explanation - The HPV vaccine protects against human papillomavirus, which is a major cause of cervical cancer.
Correct answer is: HPV vaccine

Q.15 What is the primary preventive measure against skin cancer?

Taking vitamin supplements
Avoiding sugary drinks
Using sunscreen and limiting sun exposure
Washing hands frequently
Explanation - Protecting the skin from UV rays is the best way to prevent skin cancers.
Correct answer is: Using sunscreen and limiting sun exposure

Q.16 Which diet pattern is recommended to reduce cardiovascular risk?

High-fat diet
Mediterranean diet
High-sugar diet
Low-fiber diet
Explanation - The Mediterranean diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats, reduces cardiovascular risks.
Correct answer is: Mediterranean diet

Q.17 At what age should infants receive their first measles vaccine dose?

3 months
6 months
9 months
12 months
Explanation - The first dose of measles vaccine is usually given at 9–12 months of age.
Correct answer is: 9 months

Q.18 What does BMI stand for in preventive health?

Body Mass Index
Blood Mineral Indicator
Basal Metabolism Index
Bone Mass Indicator
Explanation - BMI is a measure of body fat based on weight and height.
Correct answer is: Body Mass Index

Q.19 Which of these is a secondary prevention method?

Vaccination
Health education
Cancer screening
Legislation against smoking
Explanation - Secondary prevention aims to detect and treat diseases early before complications.
Correct answer is: Cancer screening

Q.20 Which of the following is an example of primary prevention?

Rehabilitation after stroke
Blood pressure monitoring
Hepatitis B vaccination
Chemotherapy
Explanation - Primary prevention prevents the onset of disease; vaccines are a classic example.
Correct answer is: Hepatitis B vaccination

Q.21 Which mineral is essential to prevent goiter?

Iron
Calcium
Iodine
Zinc
Explanation - Iodine deficiency causes goiter, and iodized salt prevents it.
Correct answer is: Iodine

Q.22 Which test is commonly used to detect diabetes mellitus?

Blood glucose test
Liver function test
ECG
X-ray
Explanation - Measuring blood glucose is the standard method for diagnosing diabetes.
Correct answer is: Blood glucose test

Q.23 What is the main goal of tertiary prevention?

To prevent disease occurrence
To detect disease early
To reduce complications and disability
To eliminate all diseases
Explanation - Tertiary prevention focuses on reducing disability and improving quality of life after disease diagnosis.
Correct answer is: To reduce complications and disability

Q.24 Which vaccination is given to prevent neonatal tetanus?

BCG
DPT (tetanus toxoid)
Polio
MMR
Explanation - Tetanus toxoid vaccination in mothers prevents neonatal tetanus in newborns.
Correct answer is: DPT (tetanus toxoid)

Q.25 Which lifestyle factor is most strongly linked with obesity?

Lack of sleep
Low water intake
Physical inactivity
Reading habits
Explanation - A sedentary lifestyle is a major contributor to obesity.
Correct answer is: Physical inactivity