An example of occupational hazards is:-

Appeared in: AIIMS Manglagiri NO - 2019

Explanation

An occupational hazard is a risk or danger inherent to a specific job or work environment.
Silicosis is a long-term lung disease (a form of pneumoconiosis) caused by inhaling large amounts of crystalline silica dust over many years.
This exposure typically occurs in occupations such as mining, quarrying, construction, and sandblasting.
Therefore, silicosis is a classic example of a disease directly resulting from occupational exposure.

Option A: Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder caused by a faulty gene. It is inherited and present from birth; it is not acquired through workplace exposure.
Option B: Rheumatoid Arthritis is an autoimmune disease where the body's immune system attacks its own tissues, primarily the joints. Its cause is not linked to occupational exposure.
Option C: Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a complex autoimmune disease that can affect many parts of the body. Like Rheumatoid Arthritis, it is not caused by workplace hazards.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Identification of Occupational Hazards as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
A key nursing responsibility is to take a thorough patient history, which must include an occupational history. Asking about a patient's current and past jobs can provide crucial clues for diagnosing occupational diseases like silicosis.
Nurses play a vital role in educating workers about the importance of using Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), such as respirators, to prevent the inhalation of harmful dusts.
What if? If a patient with a persistent cough and shortness of breath reports working as a stone cutter for 20 years, the nurse should have a high index of suspicion for silicosis and ensure this information is highlighted to the physician for further investigation (e.g., chest X-ray, pulmonary function tests).

How to Approach the Question

First, understand the key term in the question: 'occupational hazards'. This refers to health problems that are directly caused by a person's job or work environment.
Next, evaluate each option based on this definition.
Ask yourself for each option: 'Is this condition caused by a job?'
Cystic fibrosis is known to be genetic. Rule it out.
Rheumatoid Arthritis and Lupus are known to be autoimmune disorders. Rule them out.
Silicosis is caused by inhaling silica dust, which is common in certain occupations (mining, construction). This fits the definition of an occupational hazard.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Parks TextBook of Preventive & Social Medicine part 2 — Subpart B (pp 233-449 of 464) pp. 122-124, 123-125

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