Trachoma is a disease related to?

Appeared in: NCL (MP) Nursing Officer - 2019

Explanation

Trachoma is a chronic infectious disease specifically affecting the eye, primarily the conjunctiva and cornea.
It is caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis (serovars A, B, Ba, C).
The disease progresses from inflammation (follicular conjunctivitis) to conjunctival scarring.
This scarring can cause the eyelid to turn inward (entropion), making the eyelashes scratch the cornea (trichiasis), which leads to corneal opacity and irreversible blindness.

Option B: Trachoma does not affect the ears. Common ear infections (otitis) are typically caused by other bacteria or viruses.
Option C: Trachoma does not primarily affect the nose. While respiratory secretions can transmit the bacteria, the disease manifestation is in the eyes.
Option D: Trachoma does not affect the throat. Throat infections like pharyngitis are caused by different pathogens, such as Streptococcus pyogenes or various viruses.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Knowing Identification of the body system affected by Trachoma helps nurses interpret findings accurately and avoid errors in routine assessment, medication administration, and patient teaching.
Nurses are central to implementing the WHO's SAFE strategy for trachoma control: performing Surgery referrals, administering Antibiotics, and providing health education on Facial cleanliness and Environmental improvements.
A key nursing role in endemic areas is screening children for active trachoma (follicular inflammation on the upper eyelid) to facilitate early treatment and prevent long-term complications.
Patient education on personal hygiene, such as regular face washing and not sharing towels, is a critical nursing intervention to break the cycle of transmission within families and communities.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question that tests your knowledge of a specific disease.
First, identify the key term in the question stem, which is 'Trachoma'.
Access your memory for the definition of Trachoma. Recall which body system it affects.
Evaluate the given options: Eyes, Ears, Nose, and Throat.
Match the definition of Trachoma with the correct body part. Trachoma is known as a major cause of infectious blindness.
Select the option that aligns with this knowledge, which is 'Eyes'.

Concept Tested & Keywords

QJBJEC598LZ_uQjWudBoR3

E6 Parks TextBook of Preventive & Social Medicine part 1 — Subpart B (pp 202-403 of 604) p. 172-174

E6 Medicine Harrison 22e Part 1 p. 1516-1518

Practise the full NCL (MP) Nursing Officer - 2019

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