The inability of a person to play the expected role in society is termed as?

Appeared in: UPUMS Nsg officer-2023

Explanation

The term 'Handicap' specifically refers to the disadvantage an individual faces at the societal level.
It is a consequence of an impairment or disability that limits or prevents the person from fulfilling a role that is considered normal for them (based on age, sex, and sociocultural factors).
The question's focus on the inability to play an 'expected role in society' directly aligns with the definition of a handicap.

Option A: Disease refers to the underlying pathological condition or the intrinsic abnormal state of the body.
Option B: Disability refers to a restriction or lack of ability to perform an activity at the personal or functional level, resulting from an impairment.
Option D: Impairment is the loss or abnormality of a psychological, physiological, or anatomical structure or function at the organ level.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain WHO's International Classification of Impairments, Disabilities, and Handicaps (ICIDH) as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Understanding these distinctions is crucial for nurses to conduct holistic patient assessments, plan comprehensive care, and set realistic rehabilitation goals.
Nurses act as patient advocates, and knowing these terms helps in communicating with multidisciplinary teams and securing social support or resources to help patients overcome handicaps and improve their participation in society.
What if the question asked about the functional limitation at the personal level, such as the inability to walk? In that case, the correct answer would be 'Disability'.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify that the question is asking for a specific definition from a recognized framework (WHO).
Analyze the keywords in the question: 'inability,' 'play the expected role,' and 'society.'
Recall the WHO's ICIDH model, which outlines the sequence: Disease -> Impairment -> Disability -> Handicap.
Match the keyword 'role in society' to the corresponding term in the model.
Handicap is defined as the social disadvantage, which directly relates to fulfilling a societal role.
Eliminate the other options based on their specific definitions: Disease (pathology), Impairment (organ level), and Disability (personal/functional level).

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: WHO's International Classification of Impairments, Disabilities, and Handicaps (ICIDH)
Stem keywords: inability, expected role, society
Lead-in keywords: termed as

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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

Practise the full UPUMS Nsg officer-2023

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.