Which of the following is a Communicable Disease?

MP CHO-2018

Community Health Nursing

Easy

Appeared in: MP CHO-2018

Explanation

Diphtheria is classified as a communicable disease because it is caused by an infectious agent, the bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae.
The disease spreads from person to person, primarily through respiratory droplets produced during coughing or sneezing.
The bacteria produce a toxin that can cause a thick covering in the back of the throat, leading to breathing difficulties and other serious complications.
Unlike the other options, Diphtheria's transmission requires an external infectious source, making it communicable.

Option A: Diabetes is a non-communicable metabolic disease. It is related to the body's inability to produce or effectively use insulin and is not caused by an infectious agent that can be transmitted between people.
Option C: Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a non-communicable cardiovascular condition. It is influenced by genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors, not by an infectious pathogen.
Option D: Kwashiorkor is a form of severe malnutrition, specifically from protein deficiency. It is a non-communicable nutritional disorder and cannot be passed from one person to another.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Knowing Classification of diseases as communicable or non-communicable helps nurses interpret findings accurately and avoid errors in routine assessment, medication administration, and patient teaching.
Understanding the difference between communicable and non-communicable diseases is fundamental for nurses in implementing appropriate infection control measures, patient education, and public health strategies.
For a communicable disease like Diphtheria, nursing priorities include isolation precautions, monitoring for respiratory compromise, administering antitoxin and antibiotics as prescribed, and contact tracing.
Vaccination is the cornerstone of preventing communicable diseases. Nurses play a crucial role in educating the public about the importance of immunization schedules, such as the DPT vaccine for Diphtheria.

How to Approach the Question

First, understand the core of the question, which is to identify a 'communicable disease'.
Define 'communicable disease' in your mind: a disease that can be transmitted from one person to another through an infectious agent.
Evaluate each option against this definition.
Option A (Diabetes): Is it caused by an infection? No, it's metabolic. It's non-communicable.
Option B (Diphtheria): Is it caused by an infection? Yes, a bacterium. Does it spread? Yes, through droplets. It's communicable.
Option C (Hypertension): Is it caused by an infection? No, it's a condition related to blood pressure. It's non-communicable.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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