Testavia Free Nursing Practice Question - QA
How are pinworms diagnosed?
A. A Scotch tape test in the early morning
Pinworms (Enterobius vermicularis) are diagnosed via the Scotch tape test, performed in the early morning, when females lay eggs perianally. Tape collects eggs, visible microscopically, confirming infection. This method targets the parasite’s nocturnal egg-laying cycle, ensuring high sensitivity for detecting pinworms in children with perianal itching.
B. A stool laboratory examination obtained at the hour of sleep
Stool examination is less effective for pinworm diagnosis, as eggs are laid perianally, not in feces. Obtaining stool at sleep hours is impractical and low-yield. The Scotch tape test directly samples perianal eggs, making stool analysis an incorrect and less reliable method for confirming pinworm infection.
C. A blood antigen level
Blood antigen levels are not used for pinworm diagnosis, as Enterobius vermicularis does not elicit a detectable systemic immune response. Diagnosis relies on visualizing eggs or worms perianally via the Scotch tape test. Blood tests are irrelevant, making this an incorrect diagnostic approach for pinworms.
D. Seeing the worm in the stool
Seeing worms in the stool is rare in pinworm infection, as females lay eggs perianally, not in the intestinal lumen. The Scotch tape test is the standard, targeting perianal eggs. Visualizing worms is unreliable and non-specific, making this an incorrect method for diagnosing pinworms in children.
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Full Explanation
Choice A reason: Pinworms (Enterobius vermicularis) are diagnosed via the Scotch tape test, performed in the early morning, when females lay eggs perianally. Tape collects eggs, visible microscopically, confirming infection. This method targets the parasite’s nocturnal egg-laying cycle, ensuring high sensitivity for detecting pinworms in children with perianal itching.
Choice B reason: Stool examination is less effective for pinworm diagnosis, as eggs are laid perianally, not in feces. Obtaining stool at sleep hours is impractical and low-yield. The Scotch tape test directly samples perianal eggs, making stool analysis an incorrect and less reliable method for confirming pinworm infection.
Choice C reason: Blood antigen levels are not used for pinworm diagnosis, as Enterobius vermicularis does not elicit a detectable systemic immune response. Diagnosis relies on visualizing eggs or worms perianally via the Scotch tape test. Blood tests are irrelevant, making this an incorrect diagnostic approach for pinworms.
Choice D reason: Seeing worms in the stool is rare in pinworm infection, as females lay eggs perianally, not in the intestinal lumen. The Scotch tape test is the standard, targeting perianal eggs. Visualizing worms is unreliable and non-specific, making this an incorrect method for diagnosing pinworms in children.