Paralysis of one side of the body is called:

Appeared in: AIIMS Raipur lecturer 2021

Explanation

Hemiplegia is the medical term for paralysis affecting one entire side of the body (e.g., the right arm and right leg).
The term is derived from Greek roots: 'Hemi-' meaning 'half' and '-plegia' meaning 'paralysis'.
This condition is most often caused by damage to the contralateral (opposite) side of the brain, commonly due to a stroke, tumor, or traumatic injury.
Unlike monoplegia (one limb) or paraplegia (both legs), hemiplegia specifically describes a vertical half of the body being affected.

Option A: Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder of the small intestine triggered by gluten; it is a gastrointestinal condition, not a neurological one involving paralysis.
Option B: Crohn's disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes inflammation of the digestive tract. It is unrelated to paralysis.
Option D: Spina bifida is a congenital neural tube defect. While it can cause paralysis, it typically affects the lower limbs (paraplegia), not one entire side of the body.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Medical terminology for types of paralysis as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses caring for patients with hemiplegia must focus on preventing complications such as contractures, pressure ulcers from immobility, and deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
Rehabilitation is a key component of care, involving physical, occupational, and speech therapy to help the patient regain as much function as possible and adapt to their limitations.
Patient and family education is crucial, covering topics like safe transfers, home modifications, and signs of complications like stroke recurrence.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key defining terms in the question stem: 'paralysis' and 'one side of the body'.
Next, analyze the options to see which one matches this definition. This is a direct recall question based on medical terminology.
Break down the word 'Hemiplegia' into its roots if you know them: 'hemi' (half) and 'plegia' (paralysis). This directly corresponds to the question's definition.
Evaluate the other options. Recognize that Celiac disease and Crohn's disease are gastrointestinal disorders, not related to paralysis, and can be eliminated.
Differentiate between Spina bifida, which is a congenital condition that can cause paralysis (often paraplegia), and hemiplegia, which is the specific term for one-sided paralysis.
Select the term that precisely matches the description provided in the question.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Ghai Essential Pediatrics(pp 26-904 of 913) pp. 594-596, 597-599

E6 Medicine Harrison 22e Part 1 p. 211-213

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