Self-Assessment Questions (SAQs) for Study Session 35
Now that you have completed this study session, you can assess how well you have achieved its Learning Outcomes by answering the following 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 35.1 (tests Learning Outcomes 35.1 and 35.2)
Imagine that you see a 67-year-old man at a rural village with cough, fever and fast breathing. What is your diagnosis and what action should you take?
Answer
Fever, cough and fast breathing in old age can be indicators of severe pneumonia. Therefore, the man should be referred to a health centre or hospital immediately for further assessment and specialised treatment.
SAQ 35.2 (tests Learning Outcomes 35.1, 35.2, 35.3 and 35.4)
Which of the following statements is false? In each case, explain why it is incorrect.
A A 40-day-old infant who has fast breathing can be treated at home.
B Acute otitis media and pneumonia can be caused by the same bacteria.
C Rheumatic heart disease is the result of the heart becoming infected with bacteria.
D Bacterial pneumonia in children is usually more severe than viral pneumonia.
E Pharyngitis can be prevented by immunization.
Answer
A is false. A 40-day-old child with fast breathing should be immediately referred to a hospital or health centre for treatment. He may develop serious complications like pneumonia.
B is true. Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria can cause acute otitis media and pneumonia.
C is false. Rheumatic heart disease is due to damage of the heart tissue by antibodies produced to attack Group A Streptococci. It is not caused by bacterial infection of the heart.
D is true. Bacterial pneumonia in children is usually more severe than viral pneumonia. The clinical manifestations of bacterial pneumonia include fever, cough, fast breathing, chest in-drawing and stridor. The clinical manifestations of viral pneumonia develop gradually and include fever, cough and wheezing.
E is false. There is not currently a vaccine available in Ethiopia to immunize against the Group A Streptococci that cause pharyngitis.
SAQ 35.3 (tests Learning Outcomes 35.1 and 35.3)
State at least three clinical signs that you might expect to find in a four-year-old child with severe pneumonia.
Answer
Chest in-drawing, stridor, respiration rate faster than 40 breaths per minute, and the presence of general danger signs such as being unable to eat or drink, lethargy or loss of consciousness, indicate a classification of severe pneumonia in a four-year-old child.
SAQ 35.4 (tests Learning Outcome 35.3)
Which one of the following is the preferred drug for treating acute otitis media or non-severe pneumonia in children at Health Post level?
- a.Arthemeter-lumefantrine
- b.Paracetamol
- c.Co-trimoxazole
- d.Quinine
- e.Amoxicillin
Answer
Co-trimoxazole (c) is the preferred drug for treating acute otitis media or non-severe pneumonia at Health Post level. If co-trimoxazole is not available, then (e) (amoxicillin) should be given.
SAQ 35.5 (tests Learning Outcomes 35.1, 35.2 and 35.4)
Complete Table 35.4 by placing a cross in the appropriate boxes to indicate whether each of the actions in the first column is a prevention or a control measure against ARIs – or both.
| Action | Is it prevention? | Is it control? |
|---|---|---|
| Early diagnosis and treatment | ||
| Adequate nutrition | ||
| Immunization against respiratory tract infections | ||
| Reduction of indoor smoke pollution | ||
| Coughing or sneezing into a cloth, or turning away from other people |
Answer
The completed version of Table 35.5 appears below.
| Action | Is it prevention? | Is it control? |
|---|---|---|
| Early diagnosis and treatment | X | |
| Adequate nutrition | X | |
| Immunization against respiratory tract infections | X | X |
| Reduction of indoor smoke pollution | X | |
| Coughing or sneezing into a cloth, or turning away from other people | X |
Summary of Study Session 35