Schick test is done to diagnose?

Appeared in: IGNOU Post B. SC. Nursing entrance -2021

Explanation

The Schick test is a specific diagnostic procedure used to determine an individual's susceptibility or immunity to Diphtheria.
It is an in-vivo neutralization test where a small amount of diphtheria toxin is injected intradermally.
A positive reaction (redness and swelling) indicates a lack of sufficient antibodies to neutralize the toxin, meaning the person is susceptible to the disease.
Conversely, a negative reaction (no skin change) signifies that the person is immune.

Option A: Tuberculosis is diagnosed using different methods, primarily the Mantoux (tuberculin) skin test, interferon-gamma release assays (IGRAs), chest X-rays, and sputum analysis.
Option C: Typhoid fever is typically diagnosed through blood cultures or serological tests like the Widal test, which detects antibodies against the Salmonella typhi bacteria.
Option D: Viral hepatitis is diagnosed by detecting specific viral antigens (like HBsAg) or antibodies (like anti-HCV) in the blood, along with assessing liver function tests.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Diagnostic tests for infectious diseases, specifically the Schick test for Diphtheria as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Understanding the principles of historical tests like the Schick test provides insight into the basis of modern immunology and vaccination strategies.
Although rarely performed now, knowing about it helps in understanding the concept of toxin-antitoxin interactions and immunity status.
A key nursing role is educating patients and parents about the importance of routine immunization schedules (like the DPT vaccine) which have made tests like the Schick test largely obsolete.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question that tests your knowledge of specific diagnostic tests for infectious diseases.
Identify the key term in the question: 'Schick test'.
Access your memory for the disease associated with this specific test.
Systematically evaluate each option. Recall that the Mantoux test is for Tuberculosis and the Widal test is for Typhoid, which helps eliminate those options.
Conclude that the Schick test is used for Diphtheria.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Diagnostic tests for infectious diseases, specifically the Schick test for Diphtheria.
Stem keywords: Schick test, diagnose
Lead-in keywords: BEST, MOST RELEVANT CLUE
Negative lead-in flag: false

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E6 Microbiology Applied AnjuDhir 3e Part 2 p. 106-108

E6 Text Book Of Pediatric Nursing 3rd Panchali Pal — Part 3 (pp 477-702 of 713) p. 90-92

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