Which disease can occur due to prolonged exposure to coal dust?

Appeared in: Bihar CHO -2019

Explanation

Prolonged inhalation of coal dust leads to a condition known as Anthracosis, or Coal Worker's Pneumoconiosis (CWP).
Pneumoconiosis is the broad, umbrella term for any lung disease resulting from the inhalation of mineral dust.
Because Anthracosis is a specific type of Pneumoconiosis, both conditions can be said to occur from coal dust exposure.
Therefore, the option that includes both Anthracosis and Pneumoconiosis is the most complete and correct answer.

Option A: Siderosis is a type of pneumoconiosis, but it is caused by the inhalation of iron oxide dust, not coal dust.
Option B: While Anthracosis is the specific disease caused by coal dust, it is an incomplete answer because it is a form of Pneumoconiosis, and an option including both is available.
Option C: While technically correct as a general category, Pneumoconiosis is a less specific answer than Anthracosis. Since an option combining both the specific and general term is available, this is not the best choice.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Knowing Occupational Lung Diseases helps nurses interpret findings accurately and avoid errors in routine assessment, medication administration, and patient teaching.
Nurses play a vital role in occupational health by educating workers about the risks of dust exposure and the importance of using personal protective equipment (PPE).
Screening and monitoring are key. Nurses in industrial or community settings may be involved in performing spirometry or preparing workers for chest X-rays to detect early signs of pneumoconiosis.
Patient education on smoking cessation is a critical nursing intervention, as smoking drastically increases the risk and accelerates the progression of lung damage in individuals exposed to coal dust.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key phrase in the question: 'prolonged exposure to coal dust'.
Recall or determine the specific disease associated with coal dust. This is Anthracosis, also known as Coal Worker's Pneumoconiosis (CWP). This makes option B a strong candidate.
Next, evaluate the other options. Siderosis is related to iron dust, so option A is incorrect.
Consider option C, Pneumoconiosis. This is a general term for lung diseases caused by inhaling mineral dusts.
Analyze the relationship between Anthracosis and Pneumoconiosis. Anthracosis is a type of Pneumoconiosis.
Since exposure to coal dust causes Anthracosis, and Anthracosis is a form of Pneumoconiosis, both statements are technically correct.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Pathology-Textbook of PATHOLOGYHarsh Mohan Part 2 (215-514) p. 61-63

E6 PATHOLOGY QUICK REVIEWBased on Harsh Mohan Textbook of PATHOLOGY p. 176-178

E6 Medicine Davidson Principles Practice 24e p. 635-637

Practise the full Bihar CHO -2019

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