Which of the following is a parasitic disease that affects lymph nodes and lymph vessels?

MP NHM CHO-2024 (Shift-2)

Medical & Surgical Nursing

Easy

Appeared in: MP NHM CHO-2024 (Shift-2)

Explanation

Filariasis is a parasitic disease caused by nematode worms such as Wuchereria bancrofti and Brugia malayi.
The adult worms specifically live in the human lymphatic system, including lymph nodes and afferent lymphatic vessels.
This localization within the lymphatic system is the defining characteristic that directly answers the question.
The presence of these worms leads to lymphatic obstruction, inflammation (lymphadenitis and lymphangitis), and chronic conditions like lymphedema and elephantiasis.

Option A: Malaria is a parasitic disease, but it is caused by the protozoan Plasmodium, which primarily infects red blood cells and liver cells, not the lymphatic system.
Option B: Typhoid is a bacterial infection caused by Salmonella typhi. The question specifically asks for a parasitic disease.
Option D: Tuberculosis is a bacterial infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. While it can affect lymph nodes (tuberculous lymphadenitis), it is not a parasitic disease.

Visual 1: Diagram - Life cycle of Wuchereria bancrofti. This would illustrate how the parasite is transmitted by mosquitoes and develops within the human host's lymphatic system.
Visual 2: Clinical Image - A patient's leg with elephantiasis. This visual would demonstrate the chronic and debilitating effects of lymphatic filariasis.
Visual 3: Micrograph - Microfilariae in a peripheral blood smear. This shows the diagnostic form of the parasite that circulates in the blood.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Knowing Identification of parasitic diseases affecting the lymphatic system helps nurses interpret findings accurately and avoid errors in routine assessment, medication administration, and patient teaching.
Nurses play a crucial role in public health campaigns for mass drug administration (MDA) to prevent and control filariasis in endemic areas.
For patients with chronic filariasis, nursing care focuses on managing lymphedema through meticulous skin care, hygiene, exercise, and limb elevation to prevent secondary bacterial infections and improve quality of life.
Recognizing the signs of lymphatic disease and taking a proper travel and exposure history is essential for differential diagnosis of conditions causing limb swelling or lymphadenopathy.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key terms in the question: 'parasitic disease', 'lymph nodes', and 'lymph vessels'.
Next, evaluate each option based on the type of pathogen (parasite, bacterium, etc.). This step allows you to eliminate 'Typhoid' and 'Tuberculosis' as they are bacterial infections.
You are now left with two parasitic diseases: 'Malaria' and 'Filariasis'.
Differentiate between the remaining options based on the primary body system they affect.
Recall or deduce that Malaria primarily affects red blood cells and the liver, while Filariasis is known for its specific impact on the lymphatic system.
Conclude that Filariasis is the only option that is a parasitic disease affecting the lymph nodes and vessels.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Identification of parasitic diseases affecting the lymphatic system.
Stem keywords: parasitic disease, lymph nodes, lymph vessels
Lead-in keywords: Which of the following
Negative lead-in flag: false

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