Is Potassium permanganate used for disinfection?

Appeared in: MP CHO-2018

Explanation

Potassium permanganate (KMnO₄) is a potent oxidizing agent widely used for disinfection.
In community health, a key application is the disinfection of the surface of raw fruits and vegetables to prevent foodborne diseases.
A dilute, light pink solution is typically used for this purpose, effectively killing bacteria and other pathogens.
This use is distinct from the standard methods of water purification, where chlorine is more common.

Option B: While potassium permanganate can be used to disinfect well water, it is not the standard or most common agent for general water purification. Chlorine and its compounds are more widely used for treating drinking water.
Option C: Potassium permanganate is not used for air disinfection. It is a crystalline solid that is dissolved in water for use and does not act as a gas or aerosol for purifying air.
Option D: Potassium permanganate is a strong oxidizing agent that is corrosive to metals. Using it on surgical instruments would cause damage and rusting.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain The application of potassium permanganate as a disinfectant in public health and nursing as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses play a crucial role in health education, including teaching communities about safe food and water practices to prevent infectious diseases.
Understanding the correct use and concentration of disinfectants like KMnO₄ is vital for patient safety and public health.
What if? If a solution of potassium permanganate that is too concentrated (dark purple) is used on fruits, it can cause chemical irritation or burns to the skin and mucous membranes and leave a brown stain (manganese dioxide) on the produce.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question about the uses of a specific chemical agent.
First, identify the chemical mentioned: Potassium permanganate.
Recall its properties. It is a strong oxidizing agent.
Think about its common applications in disinfection that are taught in nursing and community health.
Evaluate the given options: Fruits and vegetables, Water, Air, Instruments.
Compare the known uses with the options. KMnO₄ is used for both fruits/vegetables and water. However, its use for produce is a very specific and common household practice, while chlorine is the standard for most water supplies.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: The application of potassium permanganate as a disinfectant in public health and nursing.
Stem keywords: Potassium permanganate, disinfection
Lead-in keywords: BEST, MOST RELEVANT CLUE

Q7ijRo9sxLDBa2IykeFlif

E6 Parks TextBook of Preventive & Social Medicine part 1 — Subpart A (pp 26-201 of 604) p. 128-130

E6 Pharmacology Nurses Shanbhag 3e p. 357-359

Practise the full MP CHO-2018

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