All of the following except one are minor reactions of DPT vaccine.

Appeared in: MP CHO -2019 (Shift-1)

Explanation

Rashes are not a characteristic minor reaction to the DPT vaccine, which is formulated against bacterial diseases (Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus).
The common reactions to DPT are primarily inflammatory (local pain, fever) due to the body's immune response to the vaccine components, particularly the whole-cell pertussis part in DTwP.
Dermatological reactions like rashes are more typically seen after immunization with live attenuated viral vaccines, such as the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine.

Option A: Mild fever is a well-documented and common systemic reaction following DPT vaccination, occurring in up to 50% of recipients.
Option B: Pain, redness, and swelling at the injection site are the most frequent local reactions to the DPT vaccine.
Option D: Irritability and periods of crying are common systemic reactions. This is considered a minor reaction.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Adverse effects of DPT vaccine as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
A key nursing responsibility during immunization is educating caregivers about the difference between expected, manageable side effects and signs of a serious adverse event that requires immediate medical attention.
Proper counseling helps reduce parental anxiety, improves compliance with the immunization schedule, and ensures timely intervention for rare but serious reactions.
What if? A parent calls and reports their baby has been crying non-stop for four hours with a high-pitched sound after a DPT shot. The nurse must recognize this as a red flag for a serious reaction (persistent, inconsolable crying) and instruct the parent to seek immediate medical evaluation at an emergency facility.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core subject of the question: 'minor reactions of DPT vaccine'.
Note the critical keyword 'except'. This means you are looking for the option that is NOT a minor reaction.
Evaluate each option against your knowledge of vaccine side effects.
Option A (Mild fever), B (Pain), and D (Excessive crying/irritability) are all well-known, common, and minor reactions to DPT.
Option C (Rashes) is not typically associated with DPT but is a known reaction to other vaccines like MMR.
Therefore, 'Rashes' is the exception and the correct answer.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Parks TextBook of Preventive & Social Medicine part 1 — Subpart A (pp 26-201 of 604) pp. 109-111, 166-168

Practise the full MP CHO -2019 (Shift-1)

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