Family Nurse Practitioner Exam

What test is recommended for diagnosing an enterobiasis infection in children?

1. Stool culture and sensitivity

2. Stool for ova and parasites

3. The scotch tape test

4. A Hemoccult test

The correct answer is: The scotch tape test

The recommended test for diagnosing an enterobiasis infection, which is caused by the pinworm Enterobius vermicularis, is the scotch tape test. This test is specifically designed to detect the presence of pinworm eggs, which are laid around the anal region, especially at night. The scotch tape test involves placing a piece of transparent adhesive tape on the perianal area first thing in the morning before the child bathes or uses the bathroom. This can capture any eggs present, which can then be examined under a microscope. This method is effective due to the nocturnal behavior of the female pinworm, which comes out to lay eggs. Other tests mentioned are not suitable for diagnosing an enterobiasis infection. Stool cultures typically assess for pathogenic bacteria and are not used for pinworm detection. A stool sample for ova and parasites can identify a broader range of parasitic infections but may miss pinworms since they primarily lay eggs in the perianal area rather than in stool. A Hemoccult test is designed to detect blood in the stool, which is unrelated to infections caused by pinworms. Thus, the scotch tape test stands out as the most appropriate and targeted method for confirming an enterobiasis infection in children.