Indoor Air sciences CSMI Practice Exam

Which group is typically classified as immunocompromised?

1. MCS

2. Industrial workers

3. Chemotherapy patients

4. Alzheimer's patients

The correct answer is: Chemotherapy patients

Chemotherapy patients are classified as immunocompromised due to the nature of their treatment. Chemotherapy is a powerful method used to destroy cancer cells, but it also affects the rapidly dividing healthy cells in the body, particularly those in the bone marrow that produce blood cells and help fight infection. As a result, these patients often experience a significant reduction in their immune function, making them more susceptible to infections and illness. In contrast, while other groups listed may have health considerations, they do not typically fall under the specific classification of immunocompromised. Multi-Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) refers to a heightened sensitivity to various chemicals, not necessarily an issue related to immune system function. Industrial workers might face exposure to harmful substances, but this does not inherently compromise their immune systems unless specifically affected by particular conditions or toxins. Alzheimer's patients may be vulnerable due to their cognitive decline, but being diagnosed with Alzheimer's does not directly make one immunocompromised. Therefore, chemotherapy patients are the clear group identified as having an immunocompromised status.