Question 1: Define the term 'health indicator' and explain its importance in assessing an individual's health.

Answer: A health indicator is a measurable sign or statistic used to assess the health status of an individual or population. It is important because it helps healthcare professionals identify health trends, diagnose conditions, and plan appropriate interventions.

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

Answer: Body temperature, blood pressure, and heart rate.

Question 3: Describe how Body Mass Index (BMI) is used as an indicator of health and what a high BMI might suggest.

Answer: BMI is a calculation based on height and weight that categorizes individuals into underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese. A high BMI might suggest excess body fat, increasing the risk of health problems such as heart disease, diabetes, and hypertension.

Question 4: Explain why blood pressure readings are important indicators in health assessments.

Answer: Blood pressure readings indicate the force of blood against artery walls. Abnormal readings can reveal risks of conditions like hypertension or hypotension, which can lead to serious health complications if left unmanaged.

Question 5: Identify two mental health indicators that professionals might monitor in social care.

Answer: Mood stability and levels of anxiety or depression.

Question 6: Describe what a person's pulse rate can reveal about their health.

Answer: Pulse rate indicates heart rate and rhythm. An abnormally high or low pulse can signal issues such as arrhythmias, fever, or cardiovascular problems.

Question 7: Sketch a simple diagram to illustrate how a healthcare professional might record blood pressure readings. Label the key parts, such as cuff, sphygmomanometer, and stethoscope.

Answer: A correct sketch would show a cuff wrapped around an arm, connected via tubing to a sphygmomanometer, with a stethoscope placed over the brachial artery. Labels should clearly identify each part.

Question 8: Discuss how temperature, as an indicator, can help in detecting infections or illnesses.

Answer: Body temperature can reveal fever or hypothermia. Elevated temperature often indicates infection or inflammation, prompting further investigation or treatment.

Question 9: Draw a simple chart or table to compare normal and abnormal vital signs for blood pressure, heart rate, and temperature.

Answer: A table with columns for each vital sign, rows for 'Normal' and 'Abnormal' ranges, with appropriate values filled in for each.

Question 10: Explain the significance of monitoring changes in health indicators over time.

Answer: Monitoring changes helps identify trends, early signs of deterioration, or improvements in health. This allows timely intervention and better management of health conditions.

Question 11: Identify two social or environmental factors that can influence health indicators.

Answer: Living conditions and access to healthcare services.