Nurse caring for a retro positive patient with Molluscum Contagiosum. This secondary infection is caused by

JIPMER Nursing Officer-2017

Medical Surgical Nursing

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Appeared in: JIPMER Nursing Officer-2017

Explanation

Molluscum contagiosum is a skin infection caused by the Molluscum Contagiosum Virus (MCV).
MCV is a DNA virus that belongs to the Poxviridae family, commonly known as poxviruses.
The infection leads to the formation of characteristic benign, raised papules or nodules on the skin.
In individuals with compromised immune systems, such as retro-positive patients, these lesions can be more numerous, larger, and more persistent, highlighting the opportunistic nature of the virus.

Option B: The Papilloma Virus, specifically Human Papillomavirus (HPV), is responsible for causing various types of warts (verrucae) and is also linked to the development of certain cancers, such as cervical cancer. The lesions are clinically different from the umbilicated papules of molluscum contagiosum.
Option C: Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) is a member of the herpesvirus family. It is the primary cause of infectious mononucleosis. In HIV-positive patients, it is notably associated with oral hairy leukoplakia, not molluscum contagiosum.
Option D: Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV), types 1 and 2, causes oral and genital herpes, respectively. These infections are characterized by painful, fluid-filled vesicles (blisters), which are distinct from the solid, painless papules of molluscum contagiosum.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Use the key finding related to Etiology of Molluscum Contagiosum to guide bedside assessment, documentation, and the next nursing action.
For a nurse, recognizing that extensive or severe molluscum contagiosum in an adult can be a cutaneous marker for underlying immunodeficiency, like HIV, is crucial. It should prompt a recommendation for further medical evaluation.
Patient education is a key nursing intervention. The nurse must instruct the patient to avoid scratching or picking the lesions to prevent autoinoculation (spreading to other parts of the body) and secondary bacterial infection.
Infection control measures, such as not sharing towels, clothing, or razors, are important to prevent transmission to others.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core of the question: it asks for the causative agent of a specific disease, 'Molluscum Contagiosum'.
This is a factual recall question. Access your knowledge base about common viral skin infections.
Recall or determine that Molluscum Contagiosum is caused by the Molluscum Contagiosum Virus (MCV).
The next step is to classify MCV. Remember that it belongs to the Poxviridae family, or Poxvirus group.
Evaluate the given options. 'Pox Virus' is listed as an option.
Briefly consider the other options to confirm your choice. Papilloma virus causes warts, Epstein-Barr virus causes mononucleosis, and Herpes Simplex virus causes herpes. None of these match the disease in the stem.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Etiology of Molluscum Contagiosum
Stem keywords: Molluscum Contagiosum, retro positive patient, secondary infection
Lead-in keywords: caused by
Clinical cues: The patient's retro-positive (HIV) status is a key clinical cue, as it suggests a higher likelihood of opportunistic and secondary infections, which often present more severely.

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