NORCET 3 - 2022 (Shift-2)
Medical & Surgical Nursing
Easy

Which of the following treatment guideline is suggest in dengue fever EXCEPT?

Appeared in: NORCET 3 - 2022 (Shift-2)

Explanation

  • NSAIDs, including ibuprofen and aspirin, are strictly contraindicated in the management of dengue fever.
  • These medications inhibit platelet aggregation and function, which can significantly worsen the bleeding risk in patients who already have dengue-induced thrombocytopenia (low platelet count).
  • NSAIDs can also cause gastric irritation and bleeding, further increasing the danger of hemorrhage.

Why Other Options Were Wrong

  • Option A: This is a recommended and essential part of dengue management. Adequate hydration is crucial to prevent dehydration from fever and vomiting, and to counteract the plasma leakage that can lead to dengue shock syndrome.
  • Option C: This is a recommended supportive measure. Rest helps reduce the body's metabolic rate, conserves energy, and supports the immune system in fighting the infection.
  • Option D: This is the recommended medication for managing fever and pain in dengue patients. Acetaminophen (paracetamol) effectively reduces fever without affecting platelet function, making it the safest choice.

Related Visual

A Dos and Donts chart for home care of dengue fever. The Donts column should prominently feature a crossed-out image of NSAID pills like ibuprofen and aspirin, with a t...
Clinical Relevance
  • Nursing practice connection: Knowing Management of Dengue Fever and Contraindicated Medications helps nurses interpret findings accurately and avoid errors in routine assessment, medication administration, and patient teaching.
  • A critical nursing responsibility is patient education. Nurses must clearly instruct patients and their families to strictly avoid all over-the-counter NSAIDs for fever or pain if dengue is suspected, as this can prevent life-threatening hemorrhage.
  • Nurses play a key role in monitoring for warning signs of severe dengue, such as severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, or any mucosal bleeding. This is especially important during the critical phase when the fever starts to subside.
  • What if? If a patient with dengue reports having taken an NSAID, the nurse must immediately inform the physician, intensify monitoring for any signs of bleeding (petechiae, gum bleeding, black stools), check platelet counts, and be prepared for potential interventions like fluid resuscitation or blood product transfusion if bleeding occurs.
How to Approach the Question
  • First, identify the core subject of the question, which is 'treatment guideline' for 'dengue fever'.
  • Note the critical negative keyword 'EXCEPT'. This means you are looking for the option that is NOT a correct or recommended treatment.
  • Systematically evaluate each option based on your knowledge of dengue management.
  • A) Hydration: This is the cornerstone of supportive care to prevent shock. It is a correct treatment.
  • C) Rest: This is a standard supportive measure for most viral illnesses to aid recovery. It is a correct treatment.
  • D) Acetaminophen: This is the recommended antipyretic/analgesic because it doesn't increase bleeding risk. It is a correct treatment.
Concept Tested & Keywords
  • Concept Tested: Management of Dengue Fever and Contraindicated Medications
  • Stem keywords: dengue fever, treatment guideline
  • Lead-in keywords: EXCEPT
  • Negative lead-in flag: The question asks for the treatment that is NOT recommended (EXCEPT).

Question ID

Ql_0J4xDVPYN_yFrXepbCy

Reference Book

E6 Parks TextBook of Preventive & Social Medicine part 1 — Subpart B (pp 202-403 of 604) p. 109-111

E6 Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics(2024) — Volume 1 p. 2076-2078

E6 Ghai Essential Pediatrics(pp 26-904 of 913) p. 825-827

Practise the full NORCET 3 - 2022 (Shift-2)

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.

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