Certified in Public Health (CPH) Practice Exam

What symptoms did workers initially report during the beginning stage of disease?

1. Fatigue and dizziness

2. Shortness of breath and swelling

3. Headaches and nausea

4. Skin rashes and itching

The correct answer is: Fatigue and dizziness

Fatigue and dizziness are commonly reported symptoms during the early stages of many diseases, particularly those that may be related to occupational exposures or environmental factors. These symptoms can often signify that the body is responding to a harmful agent or stressor. When individuals experience fatigue, it may be due to the body’s efforts to cope with an illness or an adverse condition, signaling that something is amiss. Dizziness can indicate various underlying issues, including dehydration, low blood pressure, or neurological effects, which are often associated with the onset of disease. The other options may represent symptoms related to specific conditions but are not as universally recognized as initial indicators of disease progression in a broad occupational health context. Shortness of breath and swelling typically suggest more advanced respiratory or allergic conditions, while headaches and nausea may be linked to specific ailments such as migraines or gastrointestinal disturbances. Skin rashes and itching often emerge as a response to direct contact with irritants or allergens, which may not necessarily reflect the initial stages of more systemic diseases. Thus, initial reports of fatigue and dizziness effectively capture the non-specific nature of early disease symptoms.