Which statement is wrong regarding diphtheria?

Appeared in: UPPSC-2021

Explanation

The statement is incorrect because diphtheria is primarily an infection of the upper respiratory tract.
The hallmark of respiratory diphtheria is the formation of a pseudomembrane on the tonsils, pharynx, or larynx.
While the infection can extend down into the bronchial tree (lower respiratory tract), this is a severe complication and not the primary site of the disease.

Option A: This is a correct statement. Diphtheria is caused by the bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae.
Option B: This is a correct statement. The Schick test involves injecting a small amount of diphtheria toxin intradermally to assess a person's immunity.
Option D: This is a correct statement. The incubation period for diphtheria is typically 2-5 days, which falls within the documented range of 2-6 days.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain The question tests the knowledge of the key characteristics of Diphtheria, including its cause, site of infection, incubation period, and diagnostic tests as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Recognizing that diphtheria affects the upper airway is critical for nurses, as the pseudomembrane can cause severe swelling and lead to life-threatening airway obstruction.
Nursing priorities for a patient with suspected diphtheria include maintaining droplet precautions, continuous airway monitoring, and preparing for emergency intubation or tracheostomy.
Prompt administration of diphtheria antitoxin (to neutralize the toxin) and antibiotics (like penicillin or erythromycin) is crucial for treatment and preventing complications like myocarditis and neuritis.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core subject of the question, which is 'diphtheria'.
Note that the question asks for the 'wrong' statement. This means you need to evaluate each option to find the one that is factually incorrect.
Recall or look up the key features of diphtheria: its cause (bacterium), primary location (upper respiratory tract), hallmark sign (pseudomembrane), incubation period, and diagnostic/immunity tests (Schick test).
Evaluate Option A: Is diphtheria bacterial? Yes. This is likely a true statement.
Evaluate Option B: Is the Schick test for diphtheria immunity? Yes. This is likely a true statement.
Evaluate Option C: Does it mainly affect the lower respiratory tract? No, its classic presentation is in the throat (upper respiratory tract). This statement is likely false.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: The question tests the knowledge of the key characteristics of Diphtheria, including its cause, site of infection, incubation period, and diagnostic tests.
Stem keywords: diphtheria, wrong statement
Lead-in keywords: wrong
Negative lead-in flag: wrong statement

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E6 Parks TextBook of Preventive & Social Medicine part 1 — Subpart A (pp 26-201 of 604) p. 164-166

E6 Medicine Harrison 22e Part 1 p. 1263-1265

Practise the full UPPSC-2021

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