I85PREP
⌘ K
Maharashtra HSC Child, Old Age & Health Care (Vocational) study materials
Maharashtra HSC Child, Old Age & Health Care (Vocational) study resources

Maharashtra HSC Child, Old Age & Health Care (Vocational) practice questions

One question at a time. Build your Maharashtra HSC Child, Old Age & Health Care (Vocational) understanding.

First 50 of 200 questions. Each one lists the choices, the correct answer, and an explanation. The checker at the top of this page saves progress in this browser when it is available.

Continue in the practice tool above to load more questions, 50 at a time.

Question 1Child Development and Child Care

In the Maharashtra HSC vocational course on Child Development and Child Care, which sequence correctly orders the stages of prenatal development from earliest to latest?

  1. Fetal stage, embryonic stage, germinal stage
  2. Germinal stage, embryonic stage, fetal stage Correct answer.
  3. Embryonic stage, germinal stage, fetal stage
  4. Germinal stage, fetal stage, embryonic stage

Explanation

Prenatal development begins with the germinal (zygotic) stage, roughly the first two weeks after conception, followed by the embryonic stage in which major organ systems form, and finally the fetal stage of growth and maturation until birth. The order reflects the timing of implantation, organogenesis and subsequent growth.

Question 2Child Development and Child Care

A caregiver notices a 9-month-old infant can sit without support but cannot yet walk. According to typical gross motor milestones, this development is:

  1. A sign of a motor disorder requiring referral
  2. Delayed, because walking should begin by 9 months
  3. Within the normal range for age Correct answer.
  4. Advanced, because sitting usually appears at 12 months

Explanation

Independent sitting typically emerges around 6 to 8 months, while independent walking usually appears between 12 and 15 months. A 9-month-old who sits unsupported but does not walk is developing within expected gross motor limits.

Question 3Child Development and Child Care

Which nutrient deficiency is most closely associated with nutritional anaemia in young children and is commonly addressed through iron-rich foods and supplementation?

  1. Vitamin C
  2. Iron Correct answer.
  3. Calcium
  4. Vitamin D

Explanation

Iron is essential for haemoglobin synthesis, and its deficiency is the leading cause of nutritional anaemia in children. Iron-rich foods and supplements are standard interventions in child care settings.

Question 4Child Development and Child Care

In the context of child care, which practice best supports the emotional security of a toddler during the settling-in period at an anganwadi or crèche?

  1. Allowing a familiar family member to stay briefly and gradually reducing presence Correct answer.
  2. Changing the assigned caregiver daily to build flexibility
  3. Avoiding any physical contact to encourage independence
  4. Leaving the child to cry alone until self-soothing occurs

Explanation

Gradual separation with a familiar adult present helps the toddler build trust with the new caregiver and reduces separation anxiety. Abrupt separation or inconsistent caregiving undermines attachment security.

Question 5Child Development and Child Care

Which of the following is the best example of a fine motor skill in a preschool child?

  1. Jumping over a low obstacle
  2. Balancing on one leg
  3. Running across a playground
  4. Holding a crayon to scribble Correct answer.

Explanation

Fine motor skills involve small, precise movements of the hands and fingers, such as grasping a crayon to draw. Running, jumping and balancing are gross motor skills involving large muscle groups.

Question 6Child Development and Child Care

According to Jean Piaget's theory, a child in the preoperational stage (roughly 2 to 7 years) is typically characterised by:

  1. Ability to reason abstractly about hypothetical situations
  2. Use of symbolic play but difficulty with conservation tasks Correct answer.
  3. Understanding of object permanence only after age 7
  4. Mastery of formal logical operations

Explanation

Preoperational children engage in symbolic play and language use but struggle with conservation, egocentrism and logical transformations. Abstract reasoning belongs to the formal operational stage.

Question 7Child Development and Child Care

Which immunisation is typically given at birth under India's Universal Immunisation Programme and is important for preventing a serious liver infection in infants?

  1. Oral polio vaccine booster
  2. Hepatitis B birth dose Correct answer.
  3. Measles-rubella vaccine
  4. DPT booster

Explanation

The hepatitis B birth dose is recommended within 24 hours of birth to prevent mother-to-child transmission of the virus. Measles-rubella, DPT boosters and polio boosters are scheduled at later ages.

Question 8Child Development and Child Care

A child care worker records a child's height and weight monthly and plots them on a growth chart. The main purpose of this practice is to:

  1. Determine the child's intelligence quotient
  2. Monitor growth patterns and detect faltering growth Correct answer.
  3. Diagnose infectious diseases early
  4. Replace the need for a doctor's examination

Explanation

Growth charts allow caregivers to track weight and height over time and identify faltering growth or malnutrition early. They are a screening tool, not a diagnostic or intelligence measure.

Question 9Child Development and Child Care

Which of the following best describes the concept of attachment as studied by John Bowlby?

  1. A lasting emotional bond between infant and caregiver that provides a secure base Correct answer.
  2. A behaviour shown only by children in institutional care
  3. A learned habit reinforced only by feeding
  4. A temporary reaction that disappears after infancy

Explanation

Bowlby described attachment as a lasting emotional bond that develops through responsive caregiving and provides a secure base for exploration. It is not merely feeding-based or temporary.

Question 10Child Development and Child Care

A 4-year-old uses the word 'goed' instead of 'went'. In language development, this error most likely reflects:

  1. Overgeneralisation of a grammatical rule Correct answer.
  2. Lack of exposure to the language
  3. Hearing impairment
  4. A speech disorder requiring therapy

Explanation

Overgeneralisation occurs when a child applies a regular grammatical rule to an irregular form, as in 'goed'. It is a normal sign that the child has internalised rule patterns and usually resolves with exposure.

Question 11Child Development and Child Care

Which of the following is the most appropriate first-aid response when a child in a crèche sustains a minor burn from hot water?

  1. Rub the area vigorously with a cloth
  2. Apply ice directly to the burned area
  3. Cool the area under running water for about 20 minutes Correct answer.
  4. Apply toothpaste or oil to the burn

Explanation

Cooling a minor burn under running water for about 20 minutes reduces tissue damage and pain. Ice, toothpaste and oils can worsen injury or cause infection.

Question 12Child Development and Child Care

According to Erik Erikson's psychosocial theory, the primary developmental task of the toddler years (about 18 months to 3 years) is:

  1. Trust versus mistrust
  2. Identity versus role confusion
  3. Autonomy versus shame and doubt Correct answer.
  4. Industry versus inferiority

Explanation

Erikson described the toddler period as autonomy versus shame and doubt, where children assert independence through choices and self-care. Trust versus mistrust belongs to infancy, industry versus inferiority to middle childhood, and identity to adolescence.

Question 13Child Development and Child Care

A child care centre plans a daily routine for 3-year-olds. Which arrangement is most consistent with good practice in early childhood care?

  1. Long, unstructured periods with no rest time
  2. A predictable balance of active play, quiet activities, meals and rest Correct answer.
  3. Frequent and unpredictable changes to the schedule
  4. All academic instruction with no play

Explanation

Young children benefit from predictable routines that balance active and quiet periods, meals and rest, which support emotional security and healthy development. Play is essential and should not be replaced by academic drilling.

Question 14Child Development and Child Care

Which observation method involves recording everything a child does during a set period, without focusing on a specific behaviour?

  1. Time sampling
  2. Event sampling
  3. Rating scale
  4. Running record Correct answer.

Explanation

A running record is a continuous narrative account of behaviour over a chosen period. Time sampling and event sampling are more structured, and rating scales assess behaviour against criteria rather than narrating it.

Question 15Child Development and Child Care

A caregiver wants to encourage healthy eating habits in a group of 4-year-olds. Which approach is most appropriate?

  1. Use sweets as a reward for eating vegetables
  2. Serve only the child's favourite foods
  3. Force the child to finish everything on the plate
  4. Offer a variety of foods and model healthy eating Correct answer.

Explanation

Offering varied foods and adults modelling healthy eating supports the development of balanced eating habits. Forcing, bribery with sweets and restricting to favourites can create negative food associations or nutritional imbalance.

Question 16Child Development and Child Care

Which statement about the role of play in child development is most accurate?

  1. Play should be replaced by formal teaching as early as possible
  2. Play is a leisure activity with little developmental value
  3. Play supports cognitive, social, emotional and physical development Correct answer.
  4. Play benefits only physical growth

Explanation

Play is a central vehicle for learning in early childhood, supporting problem-solving, language, social skills, emotional regulation and motor development. It is not a mere leisure activity nor limited to physical benefits.

Question 17Child Development and Child Care

A 2-year-old in a child care setting has a temperature of 39°C, is lethargic and refuses fluids. What is the most appropriate action for the caregiver?

  1. Give the child a cold bath immediately
  2. Inform the parents promptly and seek medical advice Correct answer.
  3. Administer an adult fever medicine without consulting anyone
  4. Continue normal activities and monitor next week

Explanation

High fever with lethargy and refusal of fluids are warning signs that require prompt parental notification and medical assessment. Caregivers should not medicate with adult drugs or delay referral.

Question 18Child Development and Child Care

Which of the following best describes the term 'developmental milestone' in child care documentation?

  1. A medical diagnosis of developmental delay
  2. A fixed date by which every child must achieve a skill
  3. A test score used to rank children
  4. An approximate age range when most children acquire a particular skill Correct answer.

Explanation

Developmental milestones are approximate age ranges within which most children acquire skills such as sitting or speaking first words. They are references, not rigid deadlines or diagnostic labels.

Question 19Child Development and Child Care

A child care worker notices that a 5-year-old repeatedly avoids eye contact, does not respond to name and shows limited pretend play. What is the most appropriate professional response?

  1. Label the child as naughty in front of peers
  2. Punish the child for not responding
  3. Ignore the behaviour as it will resolve on its own
  4. Document observations and discuss with parents for further assessment Correct answer.

Explanation

Persistent difficulties in social communication and pretend play warrant careful documentation and sensitive discussion with parents about further evaluation. Punishment or labelling is inappropriate and harmful.

Question 20Child Development and Child Care

Which of the following is the most important reason for maintaining hygiene and handwashing routines in a child care centre?

  1. To improve children's handwriting skills
  2. To replace the need for immunisation
  3. To increase the centre's fee collection
  4. To reduce the spread of infectious diseases among children and staff Correct answer.

Explanation

Handwashing and hygiene routines are among the most effective measures to prevent transmission of infections in group care settings. They complement, but never replace, immunisation.

Question 21Child Development and Child Care

In Vygotsky's theory, the 'zone of proximal development' refers to:

  1. Tasks a child can do with guidance from a more capable person Correct answer.
  2. Tasks that are always too difficult for the child
  3. The physical area where children play
  4. Tasks a child can do entirely alone

Explanation

Vygotsky defined the zone of proximal development as the gap between what a child can do independently and what the child can achieve with guidance from a more knowledgeable person. It highlights the role of scaffolding in learning.

Question 22Child Development and Child Care

A child care centre must design a safe environment for infants and toddlers. Which combination best reflects injury-prevention priorities?

  1. Storing cleaning fluids in unmarked bottles within reach
  2. Allowing unsupervised access to stairs and balconies
  3. Covering electrical sockets, securing furniture and using safety gates Correct answer.
  4. Keeping small toys in infant play areas for exploration

Explanation

Infant and toddler safety requires covering sockets, anchoring furniture, using safety gates and supervising access to hazards. Small toys, unmarked chemicals and unsupervised stairs all create serious risks.

Question 23Child Development and Child Care

A caregiver compares a child's behaviour with a checklist of developmental indicators and records whether each skill is present or absent. This approach is best described as:

  1. Anecdotal recording
  2. A sociogram
  3. A cumulative record file
  4. A developmental checklist Correct answer.

Explanation

A developmental checklist systematically records the presence or absence of specific skills against expected milestones. Anecdotal records narrate specific incidents, sociograms map social relationships, and cumulative records compile broader information.

Question 24Child Development and Child Care

A child raised in a bilingual home mixes words from two languages in a single sentence. How should a child care worker interpret this?

  1. As a deliberate act of disobedience
  2. As a sign of language confusion requiring withdrawal of one language
  3. As a normal feature of bilingual language development Correct answer.
  4. As evidence of intellectual disability

Explanation

Code-mixing is a normal feature of bilingual development as children draw on both language systems. It does not indicate confusion, disability or disobedience, and both languages can be supported.

Question 25Child Development and Child Care

Which statement best explains why early childhood is considered a critical period for brain development?

  1. Brain growth and synaptic formation are rapid and highly responsive to experience in the early years Correct answer.
  2. The brain stops developing after age 2
  3. Experience has no influence on brain development
  4. Brain development is determined entirely by genetics with no environmental role

Explanation

In early childhood the brain undergoes rapid growth and synaptic formation, and experiences shape neural connections. This makes early caregiving and stimulation especially influential, though development continues across life.

Question 26Child Development and Child Care

In a crèche, a caregiver notices that 9-month-old Aarav searches for a ball after it rolls behind a cushion. According to Piaget's theory of cognitive development, this behaviour indicates that Aarav has developed:

  1. reversible thinking
  2. egocentric speech
  3. conservation of number
  4. object permanence Correct answer.

Explanation

Object permanence is the understanding that objects continue to exist even when they are out of sight, and it develops during the sensorimotor stage, typically in the later months of the first year. Searching for a hidden object is the classic behavioural sign of this achievement. Conservation and reversibility appear much later, in the concrete operational stage.

Question 27Child Development and Child Care

A child care worker is preparing a bottle for a 6-month-old infant. Which practice best reflects safe feeding and hygiene in a child care setting?

  1. Adding cereal to the bottle so the infant sleeps for longer periods
  2. Propping the bottle on a pillow so the infant can feed independently
  3. Warming the milk in a microwave until the bottle feels hot to the touch
  4. Testing the milk temperature on the inside of the wrist before feeding Correct answer.

Explanation

Testing a few drops of milk on the inside of the wrist is the standard way to check that the feed is at a safe temperature before offering it to an infant. Propping bottles is unsafe because it increases choking and ear infection risk and reduces responsive interaction. Microwaving can create hot spots, and adding cereal to a bottle is not recommended without medical advice.

Question 28Child Development and Child Care

A caregiver in an anganwadi wants to record a child's developmental progress across several domains over a full term. Which tool is most suitable for this purpose?

  1. A daily attendance register signed by parents
  2. A single anecdotal note written after one unusual incident
  3. A developmental checklist completed at intervals with dated entries Correct answer.
  4. A sociogram showing friendship choices within the group

Explanation

A developmental checklist used at intervals gives a structured, dated record of whether specific skills in motor, language, social and cognitive domains have been observed. Repeated use over a term shows progress and flags areas needing support. Anecdotal notes capture single events, while sociograms and attendance registers serve different purposes.

Question 29Child Development and Child Care

According to Noam Chomsky's view of language acquisition, the capacity to learn language is best explained by:

  1. an innate language acquisition device in the human brain Correct answer.
  2. a general cognitive ability that develops through play
  3. exposure to written text during early childhood
  4. direct imitation and reinforcement of adult speech

Explanation

Chomsky proposed that children are born with an innate language acquisition device that enables them to extract grammatical rules from the speech they hear. This nativist view contrasts with behaviourist accounts that emphasise imitation and reinforcement. It also explains why children produce novel utterances they have never heard modelled.

Question 30Child Development and Child Care

A 3-year-old in a child care centre has a sudden onset of watery stools, vomiting and mild dehydration. Which action should the child care worker take first?

  1. Continue normal activities and monitor the child at the end of the day
  2. Isolate the child from the group and inform the parents promptly Correct answer.
  3. Give the child a solid meal immediately to settle the stomach
  4. Give the child a full-strength fruit juice to replace lost fluids

Explanation

Diarrhoea and vomiting in a young child require prompt separation from other children to limit spread, close observation for signs of worsening dehydration, and early notification of parents so medical advice can be sought. Oral rehydration solution, not juice or a heavy meal, is the appropriate fluid if the child can drink.

Question 31Child Development and Child Care

A caregiver notices that a 4-year-old can sort buttons by colour and size but cannot yet explain that the number of buttons stays the same when they are spread out. This pattern is best explained by:

  1. the child has not yet developed object permanence
  2. the child is in the formal operational stage
  3. the child is in the preoperational stage and lacks conservation Correct answer.
  4. the child has a specific learning disability

Explanation

Sorting by a single feature is typical of preoperational thinking, while the inability to conserve quantity is a defining limitation of the same stage. Conservation of number generally emerges in the concrete operational stage around 7 years. The described pattern is therefore developmentally normal rather than a sign of disability.

Question 32Child Development and Child Care

Which of the following is the most appropriate way for a child care worker to support a child who is distressed after being left by a parent at the start of the day?

  1. Leave the child alone until the crying stops on its own
  2. Distract the child with a screen and avoid discussing the parent
  3. Tell the child to stop crying because 'big children do not cry'
  4. Acknowledge the child's feelings and offer calm, consistent comfort Correct answer.

Explanation

Acknowledging the child's feelings and providing calm, consistent comfort helps the child regulate emotion and builds trust in the caregiver. Dismissing or ignoring distress can undermine secure attachment and emotional development. Consistent, responsive caregiving is the basis of good separation practice in early childhood settings.

Question 33Child Development and Child Care

A child care centre is planning a physical activity programme for children aged 3 to 5 years. Which plan best reflects current guidance on physical development?

  1. At least 180 minutes of varied physical activity spread across each day Correct answer.
  2. One structured sports drill of 40 minutes each week
  3. Only seated table activities to prevent injuries
  4. Physical activity limited to annual sports day events

Explanation

Guidance for preschool children recommends at least 180 minutes of physical activity spread throughout the day, including free play and structured movement. Varied activity supports gross motor, fine motor and social development. Short, frequent bouts suit young children's attention and energy patterns better than single long sessions.

Question 34Child Development and Child Care

A caregiver observes that a 5-year-old often takes toys from other children and becomes upset when asked to share. Which response is most consistent with supporting moral and social development?

  1. Explain the effect of the behaviour and model turn-taking during play Correct answer.
  2. Remove all shared toys from the room permanently
  3. Punish the child in front of the group to set an example
  4. Ignore the behaviour so the child learns naturally

Explanation

Explaining how the behaviour affects others and modelling turn-taking helps the child internalise prosocial rules, which is consistent with the development of moral reasoning in the preschool years. Public punishment and permanent removal of toys do not teach the desired behaviour. Ignoring the behaviour leaves the child without guidance.

Question 35Child Development and Child Care

In the context of child care, the term 'inclusion' most accurately refers to:

  1. adapting the environment and activities so all children can participate Correct answer.
  2. enrolling only children who meet typical developmental milestones
  3. grouping children strictly by age and ability level
  4. providing separate activities for children with disabilities

Explanation

Inclusion means adapting the physical environment, materials, routines and interactions so that every child, including those with disabilities or developmental differences, can take part alongside peers. It is not about segregation or selection by ability. Inclusive practice benefits all children in the group.

Question 36Child Development and Child Care

A child care worker is asked to plan a routine that supports the development of self-help skills in toddlers. Which routine element is most appropriate?

  1. Completing all self-care tasks for children to prevent spills
  2. Feeding every toddler at the same pace to save time
  3. Dressing all children quickly so that outdoor time is not delayed
  4. Encouraging toddlers to attempt washing hands and holding their own spoon Correct answer.

Explanation

Toddlers develop autonomy by practising self-care with adult support, such as washing hands and holding a spoon, even when the result is messy. Allowing extra time and offering encouragement supports independence. Doing everything for the child or rushing the routine removes these learning opportunities.

Question 37Child Development and Child Care

A caregiver is assessing whether a 2-year-old's language development is within typical limits. Which observation would most warrant referral for further assessment?

  1. The child follows simple one-step instructions
  2. The child has no single words and does not respond to name Correct answer.
  3. The child points to indicate what they want
  4. The child uses two-word combinations such as 'more milk'

Explanation

By around 18 to 24 months, most children use single words and respond to their name, so the absence of both is a significant red flag that warrants referral. Using two-word combinations, following simple instructions and pointing are all typical or advanced signs. Early identification supports timely intervention.

Question 38Child Development and Child Care

A child care centre wants to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome during nap time. Which practice is most appropriate?

  1. Placing infants to sleep on their backs on a firm surface Correct answer.
  2. Using soft pillows and blankets to keep infants warm
  3. Placing infants to sleep on their stomachs to prevent choking
  4. Allowing infants to sleep in car seats for the whole nap period

Explanation

Placing infants on their backs on a firm, flat surface is the key safe-sleep practice associated with reduced risk of sudden infant death syndrome. Soft bedding and prolonged sleeping in car seats increase suffocation risk. Stomach sleeping is not recommended for routine naps.

Question 39Child Development and Child Care

A caregiver notices that a 6-year-old child who recently joined the centre is unusually withdrawn, has unexplained bruises and flinches when adults approach. Which response is most appropriate?

  1. Wait several months to see whether the behaviour improves
  2. Record observations factually and follow the centre's child protection reporting procedure Correct answer.
  3. Discuss the child's situation with other parents in the centre
  4. Confront the parents aggressively and accuse them of abuse

Explanation

Suspected abuse requires factual, dated documentation and prompt referral through the centre's child protection procedure to the appropriate authority. Confrontation, delay and gossip are all inappropriate and may endanger the child. Child care workers are expected to act on reasonable suspicion rather than wait for proof.

Question 40Child Development and Child Care

Which statement best describes the role of the family in a child care programme?

  1. Families should be contacted only when a child misbehaves
  2. Families have no role once the child is enrolled in a centre
  3. Families should be kept at a distance so that professional care is not undermined
  4. Families are partners whose knowledge of the child informs care and planning Correct answer.

Explanation

Good practice treats families as partners: caregivers share observations, learn from parents about the child's habits and preferences, and plan consistent care together. This partnership supports the child's security and development. Limiting contact to problems or excluding families weakens the care relationship.

Question 41Health Care of Children and Common Childhood Illnesses

A newborn is brought to an Anganwadi health check. Which feeding practice should the worker recommend for the first six months of life?

  1. Breast milk supplemented with cow's milk from the first week
  2. Exclusive breastfeeding with no water, honey or other fluids Correct answer.
  3. Breastfeeding only at night with formula during the day
  4. Boiled water with glucose in addition to breastfeeding

Explanation

Exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months is the standard infant feeding recommendation because breast milk supplies all required fluid and nutrition, and early supplements raise infection risk. Colostrum should not be discarded, and breastfeeding should be initiated within the first hour after birth.

Question 42Health Care of Children and Common Childhood Illnesses

Under the Universal Immunisation Programme, at what age is the first dose of measles-rubella vaccine normally scheduled?

  1. At birth
  2. At 9 to 12 months Correct answer.
  3. At 4 to 6 weeks
  4. At 5 to 6 years

Explanation

Measles-rubella vaccine is given in the first year, usually at 9 to 12 months, because maternal antibodies have waned enough for the infant to respond. A second dose is given later, commonly at 16 to 24 months, to ensure immunity in those who did not respond first time.

Question 43Health Care of Children and Common Childhood Illnesses

A 2-year-old has watery diarrhoea and mild dehydration. According to ORS protocol, which fluid should be given after each loose stool?

  1. Undiluted fruit juice
  2. Plain water only
  3. Low-sodium ORS solution prepared to the correct volume Correct answer.
  4. A strong salt-sugar solution made by taste

Explanation

Low-osmolarity ORS dissolved in the correct amount of clean water replaces both water and electrolytes lost in diarrhoea and is the standard home and facility treatment for mild dehydration. Zinc supplementation for 14 days is also part of the package.

Question 44Health Care of Children and Common Childhood Illnesses

Which sign is classified as a general danger sign in a child aged 2 months to 5 years under IMNCI?

  1. Mild abdominal discomfort
  2. Inability to drink or breastfeed Correct answer.
  3. Mild cough with no fast breathing
  4. Slight nasal discharge

Explanation

In IMNCI, general danger signs such as inability to drink or breastfeed, vomiting everything, convulsions, lethargy and chest indrawing require urgent referral. Any one of these overrides the rest of the assessment and demands immediate action.

Question 45Health Care of Children and Common Childhood Illnesses

A 4-year-old presents with a barking cough, hoarse voice and inspiratory stridor that worsens at night. Which condition fits this picture best?

  1. Acute laryngotracheobronchitis (croup) Correct answer.
  2. Pneumonia
  3. Asthma
  4. Bronchiolitis

Explanation

Croup produces a barking cough, hoarseness and stridor because of subglottic swelling of the larynx and trachea, and symptoms typically worsen at night. Bronchiolitis and asthma affect the lower airways and do not usually cause a barking cough.

Question 46Health Care of Children and Common Childhood Illnesses

Which measure best reduces the spread of acute respiratory infection among children in a crowded crèche?

  1. Keeping windows permanently closed to avoid draughts
  2. Handwashing with soap at key times and covering the mouth when coughing Correct answer.
  3. Sharing drinking cups to save water
  4. Using a common towel for all children

Explanation

Respiratory viruses spread through droplets and contaminated hands, so handwashing with soap and cough etiquette are the most effective low-cost measures. Good ventilation also helps by reducing the concentration of infectious droplets indoors.

Question 47Health Care of Children and Common Childhood Illnesses

A child with severe acute malnutrition is being assessed. Which finding is typical of kwashiorkor rather than marasmus?

  1. Bilateral pitting oedema of the feet Correct answer.
  2. Severe wasting with loss of subcutaneous fat
  3. Extreme weight loss with no oedema
  4. A prominent rib cage with loose skin

Explanation

Kwashiorkor is characterised by bilateral pitting oedema, often with flaky skin and an enlarged fatty liver, whereas marasmus is dominated by severe wasting without oedema. The presence of oedema is a key classification criterion in malnutrition assessment.

Question 48Health Care of Children and Common Childhood Illnesses

A mother reports that her 8-month-old has not gained weight for two months and is being fed only diluted milk. What is the most appropriate initial action by the health worker?

  1. Advise stopping all milk immediately
  2. Refer the child directly for surgery
  3. Assess feeding practices and growth, then counsel on age-appropriate complementary feeding Correct answer.
  4. Prescribe antibiotics without assessment

Explanation

Poor weight gain in infancy is usually linked to inadequate feeding, so the first step is a structured assessment of feeding and growth followed by practical counselling. Only after assessment should medical causes or referral be considered.

Question 49Health Care of Children and Common Childhood Illnesses

Which of the following is the correct first-aid step for a child with a thermal burn covering a small area of the forearm?

  1. Rub toothpaste or oil on the burn
  2. Apply ice directly to the burn
  3. Burst any blisters that form
  4. Cool the area with clean running water for about 20 minutes Correct answer.

Explanation

Cooling a burn with clean running water for around 20 minutes limits tissue damage and relieves pain, after which the area should be covered with a clean non-stick dressing. Ice, oils and toothpaste further injure tissue and increase infection risk.

Question 50Health Care of Children and Common Childhood Illnesses

A child is found unconscious but breathing after a fall. Which action should the health worker take first?

  1. Place the child in the recovery position and call for emergency help Correct answer.
  2. Give the child water to drink
  3. Shake the child vigorously to wake them
  4. Sit the child upright immediately

Explanation

An unconscious but breathing child should be placed in the recovery position to keep the airway open while emergency help is summoned. Vigorous shaking or giving fluids risks worsening injury or causing aspiration.