Question 1: Define what is meant by the term 'health indicator' and explain its importance in assessing a person's health.

Answer: A health indicator is a measurable sign or statistic that reflects an aspect of a person's health status. It is important because it helps healthcare professionals identify health risks, monitor health trends, and plan appropriate interventions.

Question 2: List three common physical health indicators used in healthcare assessments.

Answer: Body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, and body temperature.

Question 3: Describe how body temperature can be used as an indicator of health. Include normal and abnormal ranges in your answer.

Answer: Body temperature indicates whether a person has a fever or hypothermia. The normal body temperature is around 36.5°C to 37.5°C. A temperature above 38°C may indicate fever, while below 35°C may suggest hypothermia.

Question 4: Explain what blood pressure readings can reveal about a person's health and what values might indicate hypertension.

Answer: Blood pressure readings measure the force of blood against artery walls. High readings (above 140/90 mm Hg) can indicate hypertension, which increases risk for heart disease and stroke. Normal blood pressure is around 120/80 mm Hg.

Question 5: Identify two mental health indicators and briefly describe how they can be assessed.

Answer: Mood and level of stress are mental health indicators. They can be assessed through self-report questionnaires, interviews, or observation of behaviour and emotional responses.

Question 6: Discuss the significance of BMI as an indicator and mention potential limitations of using BMI alone.

Answer: BMI helps assess whether a person has a healthy weight relative to their height. However, it doesn't distinguish between muscle and fat mass, and may not accurately reflect health in athletes or those with muscle mass.

Question 7: Draw a simple chart illustrating the normal ranges for systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Label the chart appropriately.

Answer: A bar or line graph with two axes: one for systolic and diastolic values, showing normal ranges (systolic: 90-120 mm Hg; diastolic: 60-80 mm Hg). The chart should include labels and a title indicating it depicts blood pressure ranges.

Question 8: Explain why it is important to consider multiple indicators when assessing a person's overall health.

Answer: Using multiple indicators provides a comprehensive view of health, capturing physical, mental, and social aspects. Relying on a single indicator may overlook other health issues or give an incomplete picture.

Question 9: Describe how changes in skin colour can serve as an indicator of health problems. Provide two examples.

Answer: Changes in skin colour can signal health issues. For example, jaundice (yellowing skin) may indicate liver problems, while paleness can suggest anemia or shock.

Question 10: Identify and explain one social indicator of health.

Answer: Social support is a social indicator of health. Strong social networks can improve mental well-being and provide assistance during illness, whereas social isolation can negatively impact health.

Question 11: Sketch a simple diagram to show how a thermometer measures body temperature. Include labels for the main parts of the device.

Answer: A correct sketch would show a thermometer with a bulb at one end, a scale on the side, and a line indicating the mercury or alcohol level. Labels should include 'bulb', 'scale', and 'mercury/alcohol level'.