The primary granuloma formed in tuberculosis is known as

Appeared in: RRB Nsg. Superintendent-20 July 2019 (Shift-2)

Explanation

Ghon's focus is the specific medical term for the initial parenchymal lung lesion that forms during primary tuberculosis in a previously unexposed individual.
This lesion is a small, 1-1.5 cm area of granulomatous inflammation, typically located in the subpleural area of the mid-zones of the lung.
The center of the Ghon's focus characteristically undergoes caseous necrosis, giving it a cheese-like appearance.
The Ghon's focus is the first component of the Ghon's complex, which also includes infected draining lymph vessels and hilar lymph nodes.

Option A: This describes the type of necrosis (cheese-like) found at the center of a tubercular granuloma, not the name of the primary lesion itself.
Option C: These are normal, mucus-secreting cells found in the lining of the respiratory tract and are not a pathological lesion associated with tuberculosis.
Option D: This is not a standard medical term. It is likely a distractor related to the 'Reid Index,' which measures mucous gland hyperplasia in chronic bronchitis, a different respiratory disease.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Pathology of Primary Tuberculosis as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
A calcified Ghon's focus or complex on a chest X-ray is often an incidental finding indicating a past, healed primary tuberculosis infection.
While usually healed, the bacteria within a Ghon's complex can remain dormant for years and reactivate later in life if the person becomes immunocompromised, leading to secondary (reactivation) tuberculosis.
Nurses should understand this distinction as reactivation TB is contagious and requires immediate treatment, whereas a healed primary complex is not an active disease.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question that tests your knowledge of the specific terminology used in tuberculosis pathology.
First, identify the key concepts in the question stem: 'primary granuloma' and 'tuberculosis'. This directs you to the initial stages of TB infection.
Next, evaluate the options based on your knowledge of pathology.
Recall that 'Ghon's focus' is the specific eponym for the initial lung lesion.
Differentiate this from 'Caseous focus,' which describes a feature (necrosis) within the lesion, not the lesion itself.
Eliminate 'Goblet cells' as they are normal anatomical structures, not pathological lesions.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Pathology- ROBBINS & COTRAN PATHOLOGIC BASIS OF DISEASE 10TH Ed p. 378-380

E6 Pathology-Textbook of PATHOLOGYHarsh Mohan Part 1 (1-214) p. 117-119

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