Which of the following disease is NOT commonly encountered in children?

DSSSB - 29 August 2019 (Shift-1)

Child Health Nursing (Pediatrics)

Easy

Appeared in: DSSSB - 29 August 2019 (Shift-1)

Explanation

Parkinsonism is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder affecting the central nervous system, which primarily impacts the motor system.
The onset of Parkinsonism is typically in late adulthood, with the average age of onset being around 60 years.
While rare juvenile forms exist, it is not considered a common childhood disease, unlike the other options provided.

Option A: Diarrhea is extremely common in children and is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the pediatric population globally.
Option C: Whooping cough (Pertussis) is a well-known and highly contagious bacterial infection that primarily affects infants and young children. It is a standard part of childhood vaccination schedules because of its prevalence and severity in this age group.
Option D: Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that was historically one of the most common childhood infections before the widespread use of the measles vaccine. It remains common in populations with low vaccination rates.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Knowing Differential prevalence of diseases in pediatric populations helps nurses interpret findings accurately and avoid errors in routine assessment, medication administration, and patient teaching.
Recognizing the typical age of onset for various diseases is a fundamental clinical skill. A nurse encountering a child with tremor, rigidity, and slow movement would need to consider a broad differential diagnosis, as classic Parkinsonism would be highly unlikely.
This question underscores the success and importance of pediatric vaccination programs, which target common and dangerous childhood diseases like whooping cough and measles.
What if? If a 10-year-old child presents with new-onset tremors and rigidity, what should be the nurse's first thought? While juvenile Parkinsonism is a possibility, it's extremely rare. The nurse should first consider more common causes of such symptoms in children, such as medication side effects, Wilson's disease, or other movement disorders, and ensure a thorough neurological workup is initiated.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the keyword 'NOT' in the question stem. This indicates you are looking for the option that is an exception.
The question asks which disease is NOT common in children.
Evaluate each option based on general knowledge of pediatrics and epidemiology.
Consider Option A, Diarrhea. This is a very common ailment in children.
Consider Option C, Whooping cough, and Option D, Measles. These are classic, vaccine-preventable childhood diseases.
Consider Option B, Parkinsonism. This is known primarily as a disease affecting the elderly.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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