Total number of srotasas according to Susrutha:

Appeared in: Haryana CHO -2023

Explanation

The question asks for the total number of srotas (body channel systems) according to the ancient Ayurvedic physician, Susrutha.
Susrutha, in his foundational text 'Susrutha Samhita', enumerated 11 pairs of srotas.
These srotas are the pathways responsible for transporting air, food, water, nutrients, and waste products throughout the body.
Although there are 22 individual channels (11 pairs), the number of systems is conventionally counted as 11.

Option B: This number represents the total count of individual channels (11 pairs = 22 channels). The standard convention in Ayurveda is to refer to the number of systems or pairs, not the total individual channels.
Option C: The number 10 is not recognized as the count of srotas in the major classical texts of Ayurveda like those by Susrutha or Charaka.
Option D: The number 9 is not the correct count of srotas according to any major Ayurvedic authority.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Ayurvedic concept of Srotas as per Susrutha Samhita as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
In India, the AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homoeopathy) system is integrated into the national healthcare framework. Nurses should have a basic awareness of these traditional concepts.
Understanding that a patient might follow principles from systems like Ayurveda helps in providing culturally sensitive and holistic care, improving communication and trust.
What if a patient mentions a diagnosis related to a 'sroto-dushti' (vitiation of a channel)? A nurse with basic knowledge can understand the patient's perspective better and can communicate this effectively to the interdisciplinary team, which might include AYUSH practitioners.

How to Approach the Question

Identify the key terms in the question: 'Srotas' and 'Susrutha'.
Recognize this as a factual recall question from the subject of Ayurveda, which is part of the AYUSH system.
Recall the specific number associated with Susrutha's classification of srotas.
Differentiate between the count given by Susrutha (11 pairs) and Charaka (13).
Evaluate the options. Be mindful of the common distractor '22', which represents the individual channels rather than the paired systems.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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KD Tripathi - Essentials of Medical Pharmacology (6th Edition) p. 24-534

Practise the full Haryana CHO -2023

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