All of the following are complications of Hookworm disease except which option?

MP CHO -2019 (Shift-2)

Applied Microbiology & Infection control

Medium

Appeared in: MP CHO -2019 (Shift-2)

Explanation

Meningitis is an inflammation of the meninges, the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord.
The life cycle of the hookworm involves skin penetration, migration to the lungs, and maturation in the small intestine.
The parasite does not invade the central nervous system, and therefore, meningitis is not a recognized direct or indirect complication of hookworm disease.

Option A: This is incorrect because iron deficiency anemia is the most common and hallmark complication of hookworm disease, caused by chronic blood loss from the site of worm attachment in the intestine.
Option B: This is incorrect because hookworm infection leads to protein-losing enteropathy and malabsorption, resulting in various nutritional deficiencies, including protein-energy malnutrition.
Option C: This is incorrect because in severe, chronic infections, significant protein loss can lead to hypoalbuminemia. This reduces plasma oncotic pressure, causing fluid to accumulate in the peritoneal cavity as ascites.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Knowing Complications of Hookworm Disease helps nurses interpret findings accurately and avoid errors in routine assessment, medication administration, and patient teaching.
Nurses play a crucial role in public health education, particularly in endemic areas, by promoting sanitation and the consistent use of footwear to prevent infection.
Screening for anemia and malnutrition in at-risk populations (children, pregnant women) is essential for early detection and management of hookworm disease.
What if the patient is a pregnant woman? The anemia caused by hookworm is particularly dangerous, increasing risks of low birth weight, preterm birth, and maternal morbidity. Aggressive treatment of anemia is a priority.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the keywords in the question: 'Hookworm disease', 'complications', and 'except'. The word 'except' is critical; it means you are looking for the option that is NOT a complication.
Recall the basic pathophysiology of hookworm disease: it's an intestinal parasite that sucks blood and causes protein loss.
Evaluate each option based on this core mechanism.
Option A, Iron deficiency anaemia, is a direct result of blood loss. This is a likely complication.
Option B, Nutritional deficiencies, is a result of chronic illness, malabsorption, and protein loss. This is also a likely complication.
Option C, Ascites, is caused by low protein in the blood (hypoalbuminemia), which can result from severe protein loss from the gut. This is a plausible, severe complication.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Complications of Hookworm Disease
Stem keywords: Hookworm disease, complications
Lead-in keywords: except
Negative lead-in flag: This is a negative lead-in question, asking for the exception.

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