The correct sequence of events leading to disability and handicap is?

RUHS, Jaipur, PB B.Sc Nursing Entrance-2018

Community Health Nursing

Easy

Appeared in: RUHS, Jaipur, PB B.Sc Nursing Entrance-2018

Explanation

The correct sequence follows the WHO's 1980 International Classification of Impairments, Disabilities, and Handicaps (ICIDH) model.
A Disease or disorder is the initial pathological event.
This leads to an Impairment, which is a loss or abnormality at the organ or body part level.
The impairment results in a Disability, which is a functional limitation at the individual level (inability to perform an activity).
The disability, in turn, can lead to a Handicap, which is a social or occupational disadvantage resulting from the disability.

Option A: This option incorrectly places 'Impairment' before 'Disease'. An impairment is a consequence of a disease or disorder, not its cause.
Option B: This option incorrectly places 'Disability' before 'Impairment'. A disability (functional limitation) is the result of an impairment (organ-level loss), not the other way around.
Option D: This option inverts the entire logical sequence. It starts with the consequence (Disability) and ends with the cause (Impairment). A disease is the starting point, not a step after disability.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain WHO Model of Disability (ICIDH Sequence) as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Understanding this sequence is crucial for nurses in rehabilitation and community health. Nursing interventions aim to break this chain at every possible point.
Nurses work to prevent disease (primary prevention), treat it early to limit impairment (secondary prevention), and provide rehabilitation to minimize disability and prevent handicap (tertiary prevention).
This framework helps nurses assess patients holistically, addressing not just their medical condition but also their functional abilities and social integration.

How to Approach the Question

First, understand the question is asking for a specific, established sequence related to health outcomes.
Define each of the four terms: Disease, Impairment, Disability, and Handicap.
Think logically about the cause-and-effect relationship. A health problem (disease) must come first.
Consider the level at which each term operates: Disease (pathology), Impairment (organ), Disability (person), and Handicap (society).
Arrange the terms in a logical progression from the initial cause to the final social consequence.
Evaluate the given options against your derived logical sequence to find the correct answer.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Parks TextBook of Preventive & Social Medicine part 1 — Subpart A (pp 26-201 of 604) p. 35-37

E6 Parks TextBook of Preventive & Social Medicine part 2 — Subpart A (pp 1-232 of 464) p. 82-84