Tuberculosis
Core meaning: TB control requires early diagnosis, effective treatment, contact management and adherence support.
Step-by-step learning
Persistent cough and systemic symptoms.
Use current diagnostic algorithm.
Standard regimen per national guideline.
Counselling and follow-up.
Ventilation, cough etiquette and contact evaluation.
Key points to remember
- Use current national regimen and definitions.
- Drug resistance is promoted by inadequate treatment.
- What is the purpose of contact tracing?
- Discuss community TB prevention and the nurse’s role.
Vector-borne diseases: malaria, kala-azar and encephalitis
Core meaning: Vector control combines surveillance, environmental action, personal protection and prompt treatment.
Step-by-step learning
Know disease-specific route.
Clinical suspicion and testing.
According to guideline.
Nets, spraying, source reduction as appropriate.
Community participation.
Key points to remember
- Interventions differ by vector.
- Travel and geography affect risk.
- Which vector transmits malaria?
- Compare prevention of malaria, kala-azar and encephalitis.
HIV/AIDS, STI and hepatitis B
Core meaning: Blood/body-fluid and sexual transmission require prevention, testing and treatment.
Step-by-step learning
Route and timing.
Vaccination for hepatitis B, safer sex and standard precautions.
Confidential care.
ART/STI/hepatitis services.
Immediate first aid and protocol-based assessment.
Key points to remember
- Hepatitis B vaccination protects health workers.
- Needlestick exposure requires prompt reporting.
- Which vaccine protects against an occupational blood-borne infection?
- Discuss prevention of HIV, STI and hepatitis B.
Water-borne diseases and COVID-19
Core meaning: Prevention targets transmission routes through water safety, hygiene, surveillance and infection control.
Step-by-step learning
Water, food, droplets or aerosols depending on disease.
Apply current guidance.
Rehydration, oxygen or referral as indicated.
Water treatment, sanitation and ventilation.
Accurate and non-stigmatising.
Key points to remember
- Use current COVID guidance rather than memorising outdated rules.
- Safe water and sanitation interrupt faeco-oral transmission.
- Which intervention most directly prevents faeco-oral transmission?
- Explain prevention of water-borne disease outbreaks.
- Discuss nursing role in respiratory-pandemic preparedness.
Heart disease and hypertension
Core meaning: Cardiovascular NCD prevention focuses on risk reduction, detection, treatment and emergency recognition.
Step-by-step learning
Tobacco, diet, inactivity, diabetes and family history.
Blood pressure technique and repeat confirmation.
Salt, activity, adherence and tobacco cessation.
Medicines and complications.
Chest pain, stroke signs and severe symptoms.
Key points to remember
- High blood pressure may be asymptomatic.
- Lifestyle and medicine are often combined.
- Which is a modifiable cardiovascular risk factor?
- Discuss prevention and control of hypertension.
Diabetes and cancer
Core meaning: Early detection, risk reduction and continuity of care reduce complications.
Step-by-step learning
Family history, obesity, tobacco and symptoms.
Use current programme guidance.
Refer as needed.
Diet, activity, medicines and monitoring.
Foot care, screening and palliative support.
Key points to remember
- Hypoglycaemia requires prompt recognition.
- Cancer screening depends on age, sex and national guidance.
- What are common hypoglycaemia signs?
- Discuss community prevention and control of diabetes.
- Explain cancer warning signs and nursing roles.
Mental-health problems as NCD burden
Core meaning: Mental disorders contribute substantially to disability and require integrated care.
Step-by-step learning
Reduce stigma and strengthen support.
Screen common problems.
Suicide, violence and neglect.
Basic psychosocial support and specialist pathway.
Family and community inclusion.
Key points to remember
- Mental health should be integrated into PHC.
- Emergency risk overrides routine follow-up.
- What is the priority in imminent suicide risk?
- Discuss community mental-health services.