Which of the following is NOT a complication of measles?

Appeared in: AIIMS Patna NO - 2020

Explanation

Atrial Septal Defect (ASD) is a congenital heart defect, which means it is a structural abnormality of the heart that is present at birth.
It results from improper development of the heart's septum during fetal life.
In contrast, complications of measles are conditions that develop as a direct or indirect result of the viral infection after a person is born.
There is no causal link between measles infection and the development of an ASD.

Option A: Laryngitis (inflammation of the voice box), often presenting as croup, is a well-documented respiratory complication of measles, especially in young children.
Option B: Conjunctivitis (inflammation of the eye lining) is a classic and characteristic sign of the measles prodrome, along with cough and coryza (runny nose).
Option D: Encephalitis, or inflammation of the brain, is a rare but very serious neurological complication of measles that can lead to permanent brain damage or death.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Complications of Measles as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
The primary clinical relevance is the importance of the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine, which is highly effective at preventing measles and its potentially devastating complications.
Nurses play a key role in educating parents about the vaccination schedule and dispelling misinformation to ensure high community immunization rates.
What if? If a child with a pre-existing congenital heart defect like an ASD contracts measles, they are at a much higher risk for severe complications, including pneumonia and heart failure, requiring intensive monitoring and care.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the negative keyword 'NOT' in the question. This signals that you must find the option that does not fit with the others.
The core subject is 'complications of measles'. You need to determine which of the four options is not caused by the measles virus.
Evaluate each option's nature. Laryngitis, conjunctivitis, and encephalitis are all inflammatory conditions ('-itis') that are commonly caused by infections.
Consider 'Atrial Septal Defect'. This is a structural defect, a 'hole in the heart', which is typically a problem of formation (congenital) rather than a result of infection.
By differentiating between acquired inflammatory conditions and a congenital structural defect, you can identify Atrial Septal Defect as the correct outlier.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics(2024) — Volume 1 p. 1966-1968

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