The test that is performed to find out whether or not a person is immunized against diphtheria is?

Appeared in: UPRVUNL - 2021

Explanation

The Schick test is an intradermal skin test used to determine whether a person is susceptible to diphtheria.
It works by injecting a small amount of diphtheria toxin under the skin. If a person has enough antibodies (is immune), the toxin is neutralized, and no reaction occurs (negative result).
If a localized inflammatory reaction (redness and swelling) appears, it indicates a lack of antibodies, meaning the person is susceptible to diphtheria (positive result).
This test directly assesses the body's functional immune response to the diphtheria toxin.

Option A: The Dick test is associated with Scarlet Fever, not diphtheria.
Option B: The Mantoux test is a screening tool for Tuberculosis (TB).
Option D: The Widal test is a serological test used for the diagnosis of Typhoid fever.

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 as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Understanding these classic diagnostic tests is crucial for recognizing their historical significance and the principles behind immunity testing.
In modern practice, a patient's diphtheria immunity is more commonly verified through documented vaccination history (e.g., DPT/Tdap/Td vaccine series) or serology tests that directly measure antitoxin levels in the blood.
What if a patient with an unknown vaccination history presents with a deep, contaminated wound? The priority would be tetanus prophylaxis (Td or Tdap vaccine), but it also highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date immunizations for diseases like diphtheria.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core of the question, which is asking for the specific test for diphtheria immunity.
Read through all the options provided.
Recall or look up the purpose of each test: Schick, Dick, Mantoux, and Widal.
Match the disease (diphtheria) with the correct test (Schick test).
Eliminate the other options by identifying the diseases they are associated with (Scarlet Fever, Tuberculosis, Typhoid Fever) to confirm your answer.

Concept Tested & Keywords

QHg3ToWJNW19YiVXamuxyV

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

E6 Comprehensive Textbook of Community Health Nursing for BSc Nursing Students Part 2 — Subpart A (pp 1-275 of 550) p. 23-25

Practise the full UPRVUNL - 2021

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