What does TORCH infection indicate?

Appeared in: Haryana CHO - 2022

Explanation

TORCH is a medical acronym for a set of perinatal infections that can be passed from a mother to her fetus.
The correct expansion is: T = Toxoplasmosis, O = Other agents, R = Rubella (also known as German Measles), C = Cytomegalovirus, and H = Herpes simplex virus.
The option correctly identifies Toxoplasma, German measles (Rubella), Cytomegalovirus, and Herpes simplex virus as components of the acronym.

Option B: This option incorrectly identifies 'T' as Tetanus and 'C' as Candida. Tetanus is not a typical congenital infection included in this group, and while Candida can cause neonatal infections, it is not the 'C' in TORCH.
Option C: This option incorrectly identifies 'T' as Tetanus. The 'T' in TORCH stands for Toxoplasmosis.
Option D: This option incorrectly identifies 'C' as Candida. The 'C' in TORCH stands for Cytomegalovirus.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Knowing TORCH Infections Acronym helps nurses interpret findings accurately and avoid errors in routine assessment, medication administration, and patient teaching.
Antenatal screening for TORCH infections is a critical part of prenatal care to identify risks to the fetus. Early detection allows for counseling, and in some cases, treatment to mitigate adverse outcomes.
Nurses play a vital role in educating expectant mothers about prevention, such as avoiding cat litter (Toxoplasmosis), ensuring vaccination for Rubella before pregnancy, and practicing safe hygiene.
A key nursing intervention is to ensure pre-conceptional counseling includes checking Rubella immunization status, as vaccination cannot be given during pregnancy.

How to Approach the Question

First, recognize that the question is asking to define a medical acronym, 'TORCH'.
This is a factual recall question. The strategy is to remember or deduce the meaning of each letter in the acronym.
Systematically evaluate each option, letter by letter, against your knowledge of the TORCH infections.
T stands for Toxoplasmosis. This eliminates options B and C.
R stands for Rubella, which is also known as German Measles. Both remaining options A and D have a correct 'R' component.
C stands for Cytomegalovirus. This eliminates option D, which lists Candida.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Ghai Essential Pediatrics(pp 26-904 of 913) p. 284-286

E6 Midwifery Obstetrics and Gynecology Nursing Sandeep Kaur p. 1-6

Practise the full Haryana CHO - 2022

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