Post exposure 5 dose schedule for anti-rabies vaccine is :

Appeared in: IGNOU PB Bsc Nsg.Entrance-2026

Explanation

The correct option represents the standard 5-dose intramuscular schedule for rabies post-exposure prophylaxis, known as the Essen regimen.
The schedule begins on Day 0, which is the day of the first vaccine dose, administered as soon as possible after exposure.
The subsequent doses are given on days 3, 7, and 14 to build the immune response, with a final dose on day 28 to ensure long-term immunity.

Option A: This option is incorrect because the rabies post-exposure schedule always starts on Day 0, not Day 1. Day 0 is the day the first dose is administered.
Option B: This option is incorrect for two reasons: it starts on Day 1 instead of Day 0, and it ends on Day 30 instead of Day 28 for the standard 5-dose regimen.
Option D: This option correctly starts on Day 0 but incorrectly ends on Day 30. The standard 5-dose intramuscular (Essen) regimen concludes with the final dose on Day 28.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Knowing Rabies post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) vaccine schedule helps nurses interpret findings accurately and avoid errors in routine assessment, medication administration, and patient teaching.
A nurse's primary role in rabies prevention is prompt and correct administration of PEP, including meticulous wound care, administering the vaccine series accurately, and providing patient education on the importance of completing the schedule.
Proper injection technique is critical. The rabies vaccine must be given in the deltoid muscle (or anterolateral thigh in infants), never the gluteal region, to ensure adequate immune response.
Patient education is vital. Nurses must stress the lethality of rabies and the absolute necessity of adhering to the vaccination schedule without missing any doses.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the question as a factual recall question about a standard immunization schedule.
Focus on the keywords: 'Post exposure', '5 dose schedule', and 'anti-rabies vaccine'.
Recall or deduce the standard protocol for emergency vaccinations like rabies. The first day of treatment is almost always designated 'Day 0', not 'Day 1'. This immediately eliminates options A and B.
Differentiate between the remaining options (C and D) by recalling the duration of the standard 5-dose regimen. The Essen regimen, which is the most common 5-dose IM schedule, concludes on Day 28.
Select the option that matches the 0, 3, 7, 14, 28 day sequence.

Concept Tested & Keywords

QPsmtZmLSyYQ12Ua98I-05

E6 Ghai Essential Pediatrics(pp 26-904 of 913) p. 207-209

E6 Parks TextBook of Preventive & Social Medicine part 1 — Subpart B (pp 202-403 of 604) p. 142-144

Practise the full IGNOU PB Bsc Nsg.Entrance-2026

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