One of the reported side effects of Rotavirus vaccination is?

Appeared in: ISRO- 2016

Explanation

Intussusception is a rare but serious adverse event associated with oral rotavirus vaccines.
It involves the telescoping of one part of the intestine into an adjacent part, causing a bowel obstruction, which is a medical emergency.
The risk is highest within the first 7 days after the first dose of the vaccine.
Due to this risk, a history of intussusception is a contraindication for receiving the rotavirus vaccine.

Option A: The rotavirus vaccine is administered orally, not via injection. Therefore, localized pain, a common side effect of intramuscular vaccines, is not a primary adverse event.
Option B: Aphthous ulcers (canker sores) are not a known or documented side effect of the rotavirus vaccine.
Option C: Gastritis, or inflammation of the stomach lining, is not a recognized adverse event following rotavirus vaccination. While mild vomiting or diarrhea can occur, these are distinct from gastritis.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Adverse effects of immunization, specifically the Rotavirus vaccine as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
A key nursing responsibility is to educate parents and caregivers about the signs of intussusception before administering the rotavirus vaccine.
Parents must be instructed to seek immediate medical attention if their infant develops severe crying spells, pulls their knees to their chest, has bloody stools, or starts vomiting after vaccination.
Prompt diagnosis and treatment of intussusception (often with an air or barium enema) are crucial to prevent bowel necrosis and other severe complications.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core subject of the question, which is the side effects of the rotavirus vaccine.
Recall the route of administration for this vaccine (oral). This helps eliminate side effects related to injections, such as localized pain.
Consider the common vs. serious adverse effects. While mild fever or diarrhea can occur, the question asks for a 'reported' side effect, which often includes rare but significant events.
Evaluate each option based on established vaccine safety data. Intussusception is a well-documented, though rare, risk specifically linked to rotavirus vaccines.
Select the option that represents a known, clinically significant association, even if it is not the most common side effect.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Adverse effects of immunization, specifically the Rotavirus vaccine.
Stem keywords: Rotavirus vaccination, side effects
Lead-in keywords: reported

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E6 Ghai Essential Pediatrics(pp 26-904 of 913) p. 201-203

E6 Medicine Harrison 22e Part 1 p. 1672-1674

Practise the full ISRO- 2016

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