6. A young female presents with fatigue, pallor, and symptoms suggestive of iron deficiency anemia. A microscopic image of her stool examination is provided. Which of the following statements is correct regarding the parasite identified?

Appeared in: INI-CET EXAM -2026

Explanation

The image displays the characteristic oval, thin-shelled eggs of a Hookworm (Ancylostoma spp.), confirming the identity of the parasite.
Hookworm infection occurs when infective filariform larvae in contaminated soil actively penetrate the skin, typically of the feet.
These larvae migrate to the lungs, are coughed up and swallowed, and mature in the small intestine, where they cause chronic blood loss, leading to the patient's symptoms of iron deficiency anemia.

Option A: This describes the transmission for protozoans like Giardia lamblia or Entamoeba histolytica, not for helminths like hookworm.
Option C: The image shows oval hookworm eggs. Enterobius vermicularis (pinworm) eggs are characteristically D-shaped or plano-convex and are not typically found in stool samples.
Option D: The parasite is identified as Hookworm from the image. Ascaris lumbricoides eggs are distinct, being larger with a thick, coarse, mammillated (bumpy) outer layer.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Prioritize focused assessment, early escalation, and real-time monitoring when managing Identification and transmission of Hookworm (Ancylostoma spp.) based on microscopic egg morphology and clinical presentation in acute care settings.
Recognizing the link between hookworm infection and iron deficiency anemia is crucial for nurses, especially in endemic areas. It guides patient education on sanitation and hygiene (e.g., wearing shoes).
Nurses play a key role in administering antihelminthic medications and managing nutritional deficiencies, particularly iron supplementation, and monitoring the patient's response to treatment.
What if? If the patient was a child with intense perianal itching, especially at night, the suspected parasite would be Enterobius vermicularis (pinworm), and the diagnostic test of choice would be a tape test, not a stool examination.

How to Approach the Question

First, analyze the clinical scenario: a young female with symptoms of iron deficiency anemia (fatigue, pallor).
Next, carefully examine the provided image. The image is clearly labeled 'Hookworm Eggs (Ancylostoma spp.)' and shows oval, thin-shelled eggs. This is your primary clue.
Evaluate each option based on the identified parasite (Hookworm).
Option A (ingestion of cysts) is a common mode of transmission for other parasites, but not hookworm. Eliminate it.
Option B (skin penetration) is the classic transmission route for hookworm. This aligns with the visual evidence and explains how the infection is acquired.
Options C and D name different parasites (Enterobius, Ascaris) whose egg morphology does not match the image. Eliminate them.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Identification and transmission of Hookworm (Ancylostoma spp.) based on microscopic egg morphology and clinical presentation.
Stem keywords: fatigue, pallor, iron deficiency anemia, stool examination, microscopic image, parasite
Lead-in keywords: correct regarding
Clinical cues: Symptoms of iron deficiency anemia (fatigue, pallor) are a key clue pointing towards a blood-sucking parasite like hookworm.

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E6 Medicine Davidson Principles Practice 24e p. 308-310

E6 Pathology- ROBBINS & COTRAN PATHOLOGIC BASIS OF DISEASE 10TH Ed p. 798-800

E6 Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics(2024) — Volume 1 p. 2210-2212

Practise the full INI-CET EXAM -2026

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