Self-Assessment Questions (SAQs) for Study Session 16

Now that you have completed this study session, you can assess how well you have achieved its Learning Outcomes by answering these questions. Write your answers in your Study Diary and discuss them with your Tutor at the next Study Support Meeting. You can check your answers with the Notes on the Self-Assessment Questions at the end of this Module.

SAQ 16.1 (tests Learning Outcome 16.2)

When do you suspect tuberculosis disease in children?

Answer

You suspect tuberculosis disease in children for one or more of the following reasons:

  • a.Presence of contact history with TB suspect or TB case in the family.
  • b.Chronic symptoms of TB – a cough for more than two weeks, fever, and sweating, decreased weight and decreased appetite.
  • c.Presence of a risk factor like HIV infection, malnutrition, after measles etc.

SAQ 16.2 (tests Learning Outcome 16.3)

A 32-year-old male patient was diagnosed with HIV three months ago; he was started on ART 10 weeks ago. He presented with cough productive of whitish sputum and low grade fever of one month duration. What will you do for this patient and what advice would you give him and his family?

Answer

This HIV patient should be suspected of having tuberculosis or other infections that occur at the late stage of HIV. You should refer the patient for possible TB diagnosis, including clinical evaluation, sputum examination and chest X-ray.

Advise him not to stop taking his ART drugs, or cotrimoxazole (CPT). You should also advise screening of family members for TB, as well as for HIV.

SAQ 16.3 (tests Learning Outcomes 16.1 and 16.4)

What is multidrug resistant-TB (MDR-TB)?

Answer

Multidrug resistant-TB (MDR-TB) is active TB involving M. tuberculosis organisms that are resistant to at least isoniazid and rifampicin, the two most powerful anti-TB agents.

Summary of Study Session 16