NORCERT 8 Mains-2025
Child Health Nursing (Pediatrics)
Easy
The DPT (Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus) vaccine is generally contraindicated in which of the following conditions?
Appeared in: NORCERT 8 Mains-2025
Explanation
- The pertussis component in the DPT vaccine is contraindicated in children with progressive or unstable neurological disorders.
- This is because it carries a risk of serious neurological complications like encephalopathy or seizures in susceptible children.
- For these children, the recommended alternative is the DT (Diphtheria and Tetanus) vaccine, which omits the pertussis component.
- Vaccination is typically deferred until the neurological condition has been evaluated and stabilized.
Why Other Options Were Wrong
- Option A: A mild local reaction, such as redness, pain, or swelling at the injection site, is a common and expected side effect of the DPT vaccine, not a reason to withhold future doses.
- Option B: Mild gastrointestinal disturbances like diarrhea or vomiting are not considered contraindications for vaccination.
- Option C: Minor illnesses such as a mild cough or cold, with or without a low-grade fever, are not contraindications for DPT vaccination.
Related Visual
- Visual 1: Infographic: A chart comparing absolute contraindications, precautions, and non-contraindications for DPT vaccination to help differentiate between reasons to avoid, delay, or proceed with immunization.
Clinical Relevance
- Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Contraindications for DPT (Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus) vaccine as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
- A nurse's primary role during immunization is to conduct a thorough pre-vaccination screening, including asking about the child's neurological history, to identify any contraindications and prevent potential adverse events.
- Accurate screening ensures patient safety and helps maintain public trust in vaccination programs.
- What if? If a child has a stable neurological condition, such as cerebral palsy or a well-controlled seizure disorder, the DPT vaccine is generally considered safe and is recommended. The contraindication applies specifically to progressive or unstable disorders.
How to Approach the Question
- First, understand the question is asking for a contraindication, which is a specific and serious reason to not give a treatment or vaccine.
- Analyze the four options provided. Notice that three options describe mild, common conditions (local reaction, GI upset, cold), while one describes a serious, progressive medical disorder.
- Recall or deduce that vaccines are generally withheld for serious, unstable conditions, not for minor illnesses or common side effects.
- Connect the pertussis component of the DPT vaccine with its known, though rare, association with neurological side effects. This makes a progressive neurological disorder the most logical and serious contraindication among the choices.
Concept Tested & Keywords
- Concept Tested: Contraindications for DPT (Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus) vaccine
- Stem keywords: DPT, vaccine, contraindicated
- Lead-in keywords: which of the following conditions
- Negative lead-in flag: false
Question ID
Q0dbNZThZ_IZNvjtDZIlj2
Practise the full NORCERT 8 Mains-2025
Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.
More Immunization and Immunodeficiency Questions
- What is the route of administration of Rotavirus vaccine?
- In DPT vaccine 'P' stands for:
- During a vaccination clinic, a nurse prepares to administer the DPT vaccine to a pediatric patient. Upon inspecting the vaccine vial, the nurse notic…
- Under UIP, the measles vaccine is administered at what age?
- Which one of the following statements is most appropriate to convince a mother for immunization of her child?
- Which of the following is NOT related to MMR vaccine?
- Dose of BCG vaccine is?
- Which vaccine is NOT administered to an HIV-positive child?
- The vaccine that leaves a permanent scar in babies is?
- Which of the following is the preferred site of intramuscular injections in infants?
More NORCERT 8 Mains-2025 Questions
- A patient admitted in the ICU is receiving feeding through a Ryles tube. The nursing officer is about to give the next feed, which is scheduled for e…
- What clinical condition is shown in the image below?
- What is the most significant diagnostic test that needs to be done prior to a lumbar puncture?
- Identify the device shown in the image.
- The nurse is monitoring a child with burns during treatment. Which assessment provides the most accurate guide to determine the adequacy of fluid res…
- Which of the following assessment techniques should be avoided in a child with Wilms' tumor?
- In a conscious and stable patient, what instructions should be given while removing the central venous catheter to minimize complications?
- A nurse is caring for a schizophrenia patient who is experiencing auditory hallucinations. Which intervention is MOST appropriate?
- A belief that persists despite evidence to the contrary is characteristic of what?
- A schizophrenic patient with renal failure is admitted to the psychiatric ward for dialysis. When the time for the procedure arrives, the patient ref…