Vaccine that is administered in children to prevent diarrhoea is

NHM UP Staff Nurse-2021 Shift-2nd

Child Health Nursing (Pediatrics)

Easy

Appeared in: NHM UP Staff Nurse-2021 Shift-2nd

Explanation

Rotavirus is the most common cause of severe, dehydrating diarrhea (gastroenteritis) in infants and young children worldwide.
The Rotavirus vaccine is a live, attenuated oral vaccine specifically designed to protect against this infection.
It is a standard part of the national immunization schedule in India and globally to reduce the burden of diarrheal disease and related hospitalizations.

Option A: The Polio vaccine prevents poliomyelitis, a viral disease that affects the nervous system and can cause paralysis. It does not target diarrheal diseases.
Option B: The Hepatitis B vaccine prevents infection by the Hepatitis B virus, which primarily affects the liver and can lead to conditions like jaundice, cirrhosis, and liver cancer.
Option D: The Pneumococcal vaccine protects against diseases caused by the bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae, such as pneumonia, meningitis, and otitis media (ear infections).

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Pediatric Immunization for Diarrheal Disease as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses are at the forefront of educating parents on the immunization schedule and the critical role of the Rotavirus vaccine in preventing severe dehydration, which can be life-threatening in infants.
Proper administration technique (oral) and adherence to the strict age-based schedule are essential for the vaccine's safety and effectiveness, particularly regarding the small risk of intussusception.
What if? If an infant presents for their first dose of Rotavirus vaccine at 17 weeks of age, the nurse should not administer it. The first dose must be given before 15-16 weeks to minimize the risk of intussusception. The vaccination series cannot be initiated.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key concept in the question: a vaccine that prevents 'diarrhoea' in children.
Review each option and recall the primary disease it is designed to prevent.
Evaluate Option A (Polio vaccine): This prevents poliomyelitis, a paralytic disease, not diarrhea.
Evaluate Option B (Hepatitis B): This prevents a liver infection, not primarily a diarrheal illness.
Evaluate Option C (Rota virus): Recall that Rotavirus is a major cause of severe gastroenteritis (diarrhea and vomiting) in children.
Evaluate Option D (Pneumococcal): This prevents respiratory infections and meningitis. This process of elimination clearly points to the Rota virus vaccine as the only one targeting a primary diarrheal disease.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Ghai Essential Pediatrics(pp 26-904 of 913) pp. 200-202, 201-203

E6 Parks TextBook of Preventive & Social Medicine part 1 — Subpart B (pp 202-403 of 604) p. 82-84