Dengue virus will reduce which type of blood cell

Appeared in: RUHS, Jaipur, M.Sc Nursing Entrance Exam-2024

Explanation

Dengue virus infection characteristically causes a sharp decrease in the platelet count, a condition known as thrombocytopenia.
This occurs through two main mechanisms: suppression of platelet production in the bone marrow and increased destruction of platelets in the bloodstream by virus-induced antibodies.
Thrombocytopenia is a key feature used to monitor the severity of dengue, as it increases the risk of bleeding complications.

Option A: While a general decrease in white blood cells (leukopenia), including neutrophils, can occur in dengue, the most profound and clinically significant reduction is in the platelet count.
Option C: Monocytes are the primary cells that the dengue virus infects and replicates in; they are not the cell type that is characteristically destroyed or reduced to a degree that defines the disease's severity.
Option D: Eosinophil counts often decrease during the acute phase of dengue (eosinopenia), but this is not the hallmark feature. Their count typically recovers and may even increase during convalescence.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Knowing Hematological manifestations of Dengue virus infection helps nurses interpret findings accurately and avoid errors in routine assessment, medication administration, and patient teaching.
Monitoring the platelet count is a critical nursing responsibility in managing patients with dengue fever to assess the risk of hemorrhage.
A falling platelet count combined with a rising hematocrit is a warning sign of impending plasma leakage and dengue shock syndrome, requiring prompt fluid resuscitation.
What if? If a dengue patient's platelet count drops below 20,000/mm3 or they show active signs of bleeding, a platelet transfusion may be considered, although this is a specific clinical decision based on the overall patient condition, not just the number.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key terms in the question: 'Dengue virus' and 'reduce which blood cell'.
This is a factual recall question testing knowledge of the specific pathophysiology of a common infectious disease.
Recall the classic hematological findings associated with dengue fever. While it affects multiple cell lines, think about the most characteristic and clinically monitored change.
Dengue is well-known for causing bleeding complications. Connect this primary symptom (bleeding) to the function of different blood cells.
Recognize that platelets are essential for blood clotting. A reduction in platelets (thrombocytopenia) would directly explain the risk of hemorrhage.
Based on this connection, select the option that represents the cell responsible for clotting.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Physiology Ganong 27e Vol 1 Part 1 p. 97-99

E6 Medicine Davidson Principles Practice 24e p. 937-939

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