Which of the following diseases is treated by Directly Observed Treatment Short course (DOTS) in the communit… - AIIMS Raipur lecturer 2021

AIIMS Raipur lecturer 2021

Community Health Nursing

Easy

Appeared in: AIIMS Raipur lecturer 2021

Explanation

Directly Observed Treatment, Short-course (DOTS) is the specific name for the WHO-endorsed strategy to control Tuberculosis (TB).
The core principle of DOTS is that a healthcare provider or a trained volunteer directly observes the patient swallowing their anti-TB drugs.
This supervised approach is critical to ensure adherence throughout the long treatment regimen (typically 6 months or more), which is essential for curing the patient and preventing the emergence of multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB).
The strategy is implemented at the community level to make it accessible and reduce the burden on hospitals.

Option A: Malaria is a parasitic disease caused by Plasmodium and is treated with antimalarial medications, most commonly Artemisinin-based Combination Therapy (ACT).
Option B: Pneumonia is an acute respiratory infection affecting the lungs. Treatment depends on the causative agent, but it is typically managed with antibiotics for bacterial pneumonia and supportive care for viral pneumonia.
Option C: Rubella is a viral infection. There is no specific curative treatment; management is supportive to relieve symptoms. The disease is effectively prevented through vaccination with the MMR vaccine.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Knowing Directly Observed Treatment, Short-course (DOTS) strategy for communicable diseases helps nurses interpret findings accurately and avoid errors in routine assessment, medication administration, and patient teaching.
Community health nurses are central to the success of the DOTS program. They often act as DOTS providers, conduct patient and family counseling, monitor for adverse drug reactions, and ensure treatment continuity.
The DOTS strategy is a cornerstone of India's National Tuberculosis Elimination Program (NTEP). Its effective implementation is crucial for reducing the TB burden and preventing the spread of drug-resistant strains in the community.
What if? If a patient on a standard DOTS regimen (containing ethambutol) complains of blurred vision or difficulty distinguishing colors, the nurse must immediately suspect ethambutol-induced optic neuritis. The drug should be stopped, and the patient must be urgently referred for an ophthalmological assessment to prevent permanent vision loss.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key term in the question, which is 'Directly Observed Treatment Short course (DOTS)'.
This is a factual recall question that tests your knowledge of major national and international health programs.
Recall the specific disease associated with the DOTS strategy. The acronym itself is strongly linked in public health to one particular communicable disease.
Systematically evaluate each option. Consider the standard treatment for Malaria (antimalarials), Pneumonia (antibiotics), and Rubella (supportive care/vaccine prevention).
Conclude that Tuberculosis is the only disease among the options for which DOTS is the globally recommended treatment strategy.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Directly Observed Treatment, Short-course (DOTS) strategy for communicable diseases.
Stem keywords: Directly Observed Treatment Short course, DOTS, community, disease
Lead-in keywords: Which of the following
Clinical cues: The care setting changes urgency, monitoring level, and the expected nursing action.
Negative lead-in flag: false

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E6 Parks TextBook of Preventive & Social Medicine part 1 — Subpart B (pp 202-403 of 604) p. 28-30

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