The Schick Test is used to detect which disease?

Appeared in: UP CHO - 2018

Explanation

The Schick test is an intradermal skin test specifically designed to determine a person's susceptibility or immunity to Diphtheria.
It involves injecting a small, controlled amount of diphtheria toxin into the skin of the forearm.
A positive reaction, characterized by localized redness and swelling, indicates that the individual lacks sufficient antibodies to neutralize the toxin and is therefore susceptible to the disease.
Conversely, a negative reaction (no skin change) signifies that the person is immune to Diphtheria.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Knowing Diagnostic test for Diphtheria (Schick Test) helps nurses interpret findings accurately and avoid errors in routine assessment, medication administration, and patient teaching.
Understanding historical tests like the Schick test provides context for modern immunological assays and the principles of vaccination.
Although rarely used today, if a nurse were to encounter a positive Schick test result, they would immediately recognize the patient is susceptible to diphtheria and requires vaccination or a booster.
This knowledge is crucial for public health nurses involved in immunization programs and outbreak control, especially in regions where diphtheria may re-emerge.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question that requires matching a specific diagnostic test to its corresponding disease.
First, identify the key term in the question stem, which is 'Schick Test'.
Next, systematically review your knowledge of common diagnostic tests for major infectious diseases.
Evaluate each option: Is the Schick test for T.B.? No, that's the Mantoux test. Is it for Typhoid? No, that's the Widal test. Is it for Cholera? No, that's a stool culture.
By elimination and direct recall, you can correctly associate the Schick Test with Diphtheria.

Concept Tested & Keywords

QyuLyIAVSxMLAkW3Rrk-AQ

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

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

E6 Parks TextBook of Preventive & Social Medicine part 1 — Subpart B (pp 202-403 of 604) p. 92-94

Practise the full UP CHO - 2018

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