On the basis of findings related to elevated blood levels of ...

[dakota nelson]

On the basis of findings related to elevated blood levels of cholesterol, a researcher wanted to determine whether a new drug would notably lower the blood levels of cholesterol in otherwise healthy persons.
 
  Which of the following studies would the researcher most likely use?
  a.
  Cross-sectional study
  b.
  Experimental study
  c.
  Prospective study
  d.
  Retrospective study

Question 2

A client has developed pellagra because of a lack of certain B vitamins. Which of the following best describes the classification of the nutritional deficiency?
 
  a. Relative risk factor
  b. Agent factor
  c. Environment factor
  d. Host factor

[mcomstock09]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B
Experimental design is used to test treatment and prevention strategies. Subjects are randomly assigned to the experimental group to obtain the new drug while the control group receives a placebo or alternative. The changes in blood cholesterol level would then be measured. 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 retrospective study compares individuals with a particular condition or disease with those who do not have the disease.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: B
Nutritional deficiencies are included under agent factors. Although too much of an agent can cause disease (such as obesity related to diabetes), so can too little of an agent. Relative risk indicates the extent of excess risk incurred by exposure relative to nonexposure. Host factors are intrinsic factors and describe one's susceptibility or response influence to the exposure to the agent, such as genetics, age, sex, ethnicity, and human behavior. Environment factors are extrinsic factors and they influence the existence of the agent, exposure, or susceptibility to the agent such as physical environment, biological environment, and socioeconomic environment.