SPEX Preventive Medicine 5

Question 1

A community health department investigates a cluster of hepatitis A cases linked to a single restaurant. This is best classified as which type of outbreak?

Accepted Answer

Point source outbreak

Answer

A restaurant exposure affecting multiple patrons at one event within a single incubation period is a classic point source outbreak.

Question 2

According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), the recommended exposure limit (REL) for noise in the workplace is:

Accepted Answer

85 dBA as an 8-hour TWA

Answer

NIOSH recommends a REL of 85 dBA as an 8-hour time-weighted average to prevent occupational noise-induced hearing loss.

Question 3

The Stages of Change (Transtheoretical) Model describes a patient who acknowledges a problem and intends to take action within 6 months but has not yet acted. This stage is called:

Accepted Answer

Contemplation

Answer

Contemplation is characterized by awareness of a problem and intention to change within 6 months, without commitment to immediate action.

Question 4

Which measure of association is used in a case-control study when disease is rare?

Accepted Answer

Odds ratio

Answer

Case-control studies cannot directly calculate risk; the odds ratio approximates the relative risk when disease prevalence is low (<10%).

Question 5

A preventive medicine physician is evaluating heat stress risk for outdoor construction workers. The most comprehensive index that accounts for temperature, humidity, radiant heat, and air movement is:

Accepted Answer

Wet-bulb globe temperature (WBGT)

Answer

WBGT integrates dry-bulb temperature, natural wet-bulb temperature, and globe temperature to provide a comprehensive heat stress index.

SPEX Exam Practice Test

SPEX Exam Practice Test

SPEX Preventive Medicine 5