The following is used in roundworm infestation :

Appeared in: RUHS, Jaipur, M.Sc Nursing Entrance Exam-2023

Explanation

Albendazole is a broad-spectrum anthelmintic, the correct drug class for treating helminth (worm) infections like roundworm.
It is recommended as a first-line drug of choice for treating ascariasis, the infection caused by the roundworm Ascaris lumbricoides.
Its mechanism of action involves inhibiting microtubule synthesis in the parasite, which impairs glucose uptake and leads to the worm's death.

Option A: Metronidazole is an antiprotozoal and antibacterial agent. It is effective against protozoa like Giardia lamblia and anaerobic bacteria, not against helminths like roundworms.
Option C: Clotrimazole is an antifungal medication. It is typically applied topically to treat fungal infections of the skin and mucous membranes, such as athlete's foot or vaginal yeast infections.
Option D: Fluconazole is a systemic antifungal drug used to treat serious or widespread fungal infections. It has no efficacy against parasitic worms.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Pharmacological treatment for roundworm (ascariasis) infestation as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Correctly identifying the pathogen (e.g., helminth, protozoa, fungus, bacteria) is crucial for selecting the appropriate antimicrobial agent and ensuring effective treatment.
Nurses play a key role in patient education regarding medication administration (e.g., taking Albendazole with a fatty meal for tissue parasites) and hygiene measures like handwashing to prevent reinfection and transmission.
What if? If the patient was diagnosed with giardiasis, a protozoal infection causing diarrhea, Metronidazole would be the correct treatment, as anthelmintics like Albendazole are ineffective against protozoa.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key condition in the question: 'roundworm infestation'.
Recall that roundworms are a type of helminth (parasitic worm).
Next, classify each drug option by its primary therapeutic class.
Metronidazole is an antiprotozoal/antibiotic. Clotrimazole and Fluconazole are antifungals. Albendazole is an anthelmintic.
Match the drug class to the condition. An anthelmintic (Albendazole) is required to treat a helminthic infestation (roundworm).

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Pharmacological treatment for roundworm (ascariasis) infestation.
Stem keywords: roundworm infestation, used in
Lead-in keywords: BEST, MOST RELEVANT CLUE
Negative lead-in flag: false

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E6 Pharmacology Katzung 16e p. 1458-1460

E6 Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics(2024) — Volume 1 p. 2134-2136

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