IGNOU PB Bsc Nsg.Entrance-2026
Child Health Nursing (Pediatrics)
Easy

A vaccine contraindicated in a child with history of seizure is:

Appeared in: IGNOU PB Bsc Nsg.Entrance-2026

Explanation

  • The DPT vaccine contains the whole-cell pertussis (wP) component, which protects against whooping cough.
  • This pertussis component is known to be associated with rare but severe neurological adverse effects, including prolonged convulsions and encephalopathy.
  • Due to this risk, a personal history of seizures or other progressive neurological disorders is a contraindication for the pertussis component of the vaccine.
  • For these children, the recommended alternative is the DT vaccine (Diphtheria and Tetanus), which omits the pertussis component.

Why Other Options Were Wrong

  • Option B: BCG is a live attenuated vaccine for tuberculosis. Its primary contraindications are related to immunodeficiency, not a history of seizures.
  • Option C: OPV is a live attenuated vaccine for polio. Its main contraindication is an immunocompromised state in the child or a household contact, not a history of seizures.
  • Option D: The Hib vaccine is an inactivated conjugate vaccine that protects against Haemophilus influenzae type b. It is considered very safe and is not contraindicated in children with a history of seizures.

Related Visual

Visual explanation — Related Visual
Clinical Relevance
  • Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Contraindications for childhood immunizations, specifically the DPT vaccine as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
  • A nurse's primary role in immunization is ensuring patient safety, which begins with a thorough pre-vaccination screening for contraindications and precautions.
  • Failure to identify a contraindication, such as a history of seizures for the DPT vaccine, can lead to preventable, severe adverse events and harm to the child.
  • Accurate documentation and reporting of any adverse events following immunization (AEFI) are critical for patient follow-up and for national vaccine safety surveillance programs.
How to Approach the Question
  • This is a factual recall question that tests your knowledge of vaccine contraindications.
  • First, identify the key elements in the question: 'vaccine', 'contraindicated', and 'history of seizure'.
  • Systematically review the options provided: DPT, BCG, OPV, and Hib.
  • Recall the specific properties and major contraindications for each vaccine.
  • Focus on the DPT vaccine. Remember that the 'P' (pertussis) component, especially the whole-cell version, is uniquely associated with neurological side effects among the choices.
  • Confirm that the contraindications for BCG (immunodeficiency), OPV (immunodeficiency), and Hib (severe allergy) do not relate to seizures.
Concept Tested & Keywords
  • Concept Tested: Contraindications for childhood immunizations, specifically the DPT vaccine.
  • Stem keywords: vaccine, contraindicated, child, history of seizure
  • Lead-in keywords: is
  • Clinical cues: Age/sex group narrows the expected diagnosis, intervention, or normal reference range.
  • Negative lead-in flag: false

Question ID

Q-hXxJCTm55lE-OsXfLR0n

Reference Book

E6 Parks TextBook of Preventive & Social Medicine part 1 — Subpart A (pp 26-201 of 604) p. 166-168

E6 Parks TextBook of Preventive & Social Medicine part 1 — Subpart C (pp 404-604 of 604) p. 126-128

Practise the full IGNOU PB Bsc Nsg.Entrance-2026

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

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A vaccine contraindicated in a child with history of seizure is: - IGNOU PB Bsc Nsg.Entrance-2026 | NPrep