Pott disease is also known as:

Appeared in: BTSC Staff Nurse 1 August-2025

Explanation

Pott disease is the eponym for tuberculosis of the spine.
The medical term for this condition is Tuberculous Spondylitis, which accurately describes the pathology: inflammation (-itis) of the vertebrae (spondylo-) caused by tuberculosis.
The infection leads to caseous necrosis of the vertebral bodies and intervertebral discs, causing vertebral collapse and the characteristic kyphotic (gibbus) deformity seen in the image.
It is a form of secondary, extrapulmonary tuberculosis, resulting from the hematogenous spread of Mycobacterium tuberculosis from a primary site, usually the lungs.

Option A: Brucellosis is a bacterial infection caused by Brucella species, typically transmitted from animals to people through unpasteurized dairy products or direct contact with infected animals. It is not related to tuberculosis.
Option B: Malaria is a parasitic disease caused by Plasmodium protozoa, transmitted through the bite of infected Anopheles mosquitoes. It primarily affects red blood cells and the liver.
Option D: Typhoid is a bacterial infection caused by Salmonella typhi, usually spread through contaminated food or water. It is also known as enteric fever and primarily affects the gastrointestinal system.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Knowing Synonym for Pott disease helps nurses interpret findings accurately and avoid errors in routine assessment, medication administration, and patient teaching.
Nurses play a vital role in managing patients with Pott disease by administering long-term anti-tubercular therapy (ATT) and monitoring for drug side effects and adherence.
A key nursing responsibility is performing regular neurological assessments to detect early signs of spinal cord compression (e.g., new-onset weakness, numbness, or bladder/bowel dysfunction), which is a medical emergency.
Pain management, nutritional support, and patient education on mobility and preventing complications are crucial aspects of care.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core term in the question, which is 'Pott disease'.
Recognize that the question is asking for a synonym or the medical term for this condition.
Analyze the options. 'Spondylitis' refers to inflammation of the vertebrae. 'Tuberculous' points to tuberculosis as the cause.
Connect the eponym 'Pott disease' with its known pathology: tuberculosis affecting the spine.
Therefore, 'Tuberculous Spondylitis' is the most accurate medical description and the correct answer.
Eliminate the other options as they are distinct infectious diseases with different causative agents and primary sites of infection.

Concept Tested & Keywords

QFGTeSDGhGDJ5Yc-KNWfv1

E6 Medicine Harrison 22e Part 1 p. 1429-1431

E6 PATHOLOGY QUICK REVIEWBased on Harsh Mohan Textbook of PATHOLOGY p. 252-254

Practise the full BTSC Staff Nurse 1 August-2025

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