What kind of disease is polio?

Appeared in: Bihar CHO -2019

Explanation

Poliomyelitis is caused by the poliovirus, which is a nonenveloped, positive-stranded RNA virus.
The poliovirus belongs to the Picornaviridae family, in the genus Enterovirus.
Diseases caused by viruses are classified as viral diseases.
The virus spreads from person to person and can infect the brain and spinal cord, leading to paralysis.

Option B: Bacterial diseases are caused by bacteria, not viruses. Polio is caused by the poliovirus.
Option C: Protozoan diseases are caused by single-celled eukaryotic organisms called protozoa. Polio is a viral infection.
Option D: Fungal diseases, or mycoses, are caused by fungi. The causative agent of polio is a virus.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Knowing Classification of poliomyelitis based on its causative agent helps nurses interpret findings accurately and avoid errors in routine assessment, medication administration, and patient teaching.
Understanding that polio is a viral disease underscores the critical importance of vaccination, as antibiotics are ineffective against viruses. The Pulse Polio Programme in India is a cornerstone of public health, aiming to eradicate the virus through mass immunization.
Nurses play a vital role in Acute Flaccid Paralysis (AFP) surveillance. Any case of sudden limb weakness in a child under 15 must be reported immediately to rule out polio.
Patient education on hygiene, sanitation, and the importance of completing the vaccination schedule (both IPV and OPV) is a key nursing responsibility in preventing polio.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core subject of the question, which is 'polio'.
Recall the causative agent for poliomyelitis. This is a fundamental piece of knowledge in communicable diseases.
The name 'poliovirus' itself indicates that the causative agent is a virus.
Based on this, classify the disease. Since it's caused by a virus, it is a viral disease.
Eliminate the other options by recalling examples of bacterial (e.g., TB), protozoal (e.g., Malaria), and fungal (e.g., Ringworm) diseases.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Qecc6HGi7JffP8F7ncsyBO

E6 Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics(2024) — Volume 1 p. 1977-1979

E6 Pathology- ROBBINS & COTRAN PATHOLOGIC BASIS OF DISEASE 10TH Ed p. 358-360

E6 Comprehensive Textbook of Community Health Nursing for BSc Nursing Students Part 2 — Subpart A (pp 1-275 of 550) p. 28-30

Practise the full Bihar CHO -2019

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