What is not true about rabies

Appeared in: MP CHO -2019 (Shift-2)

Explanation

The statement that nothing can be done after exposure to rabies is false.
Rabies is a vaccine-preventable disease, and timely Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) is nearly 100% effective in preventing death.
PEP consists of three crucial steps: extensive wound washing, a course of rabies vaccine, and, for severe exposures, the administration of Rabies Immunoglobulin (RIG).
Once clinical symptoms of rabies appear, the disease is almost invariably fatal, which is why immediate action after exposure is critical.

Why Other Options Were Wrong

Option A: This is a true statement. Rabies is caused by the rabies virus, which belongs to the genus Lyssavirus.
Option B: This is a true statement. The most common mode of rabies transmission to humans is through the saliva of an infected animal, typically via a bite.
Option D: This option claims all statements are not true. However, statements A and B are factually correct, making this option incorrect.

Related Visual

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Rabies: Etiology, Transmission, and Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
A nurse's primary role following a potential rabies exposure is to ensure immediate and thorough wound cleansing, which is the first line of defense.
Nurses are responsible for administering the rabies vaccine series according to the correct schedule (e.g., days 0, 3, 7, and 14) and educating the patient on the critical importance of completing the entire course.
For Category III exposures, the nurse must correctly calculate and administer Rabies Immunoglobulin (RIG), ensuring as much as possible is infiltrated around the wound site.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the negative framing of the question: it asks for the statement that is 'not true'.
Read each option carefully and evaluate its factual accuracy based on your knowledge of rabies.
Option A: Is rabies caused by the Lyssavirus? Yes, this is correct.
Option B: Is rabies transmitted by animal bites? Yes, this is the primary mode of transmission.
Option C: Is it true that nothing can be done after exposure? No, this is false. Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) is a well-established and highly effective intervention.
Since you have identified a false statement (Option C), this is the correct answer to the 'not true' question.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Rabies: Etiology, Transmission, and Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP)
Stem keywords: rabies, not true
Lead-in keywords: not true
Negative lead-in flag: The question asks for the statement that is NOT true.

Question ID

QxFqKz1ouOYwTnElTTyEAk

Reference Book

E6 Robert Boland, Marcia L. Verduin - Kaplan and Sadock's Comprehensive Text of Psychiatry-Wolters Kluwer Health (2024) (pp 1-16525 of 16525) p. 2029-2031

E6 Microbiology OneStop Sastry p. 149-151

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