Self-Assessment Questions (SAQs) for Study Session 4
Now you have completed this study session, you can assess how well you have achieved its Learning Outcomes by answering the questions below. 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.
Read this case study and then answer the questions below.
Case Study 4.2 for SAQ 4.1
Getu is six months old. He weighs 5.5 kg. His temperature is 38°C. His mother says he has had a cough for two days. The Health Extension Practitioner checked for general danger signs. The mother says that Getu is able to breastfeed and that he has not vomited during this illness. He has not had convulsions. Getu is not convulsing, lethargic or unconscious during his visit to the health post.
The Health Extension Practitioner said to the mother, ‘I want to check Getu's cough. You said he has had a cough for two days now. I am going to count his breathing. He will need to remain calm while I do this’.
The Health Extension Practitioner counted 58 breaths per minute. She did not see chest in-drawing and did not hear stridor.
SAQ 4.1 (tests Learning Outcomes 4.1, 4.2 and 4.5)
Record this information on the recording form which is reproduced below.
Answer
The table below shows you the information you should have included on Getu’s record form. Check this against the one you completed for SAQ 4.1 to see if you have written down the same information and in the right boxes.
Read Case Study 4.3 and then answer the questions that follow.
Case Study 4.3 for SAQ 4.2
Askale is eight months old, and weighs 6 kg. Her temperature is 39°C. Her parents say she has had a cough for three days and is having trouble breathing. Her mother says she will not breastfeed or take other fluids. Askale has not had convulsions or vomiting, but she is lethargic, is taking 55 breaths per minute and there is a harsh noise when she breathes in.
SAQ 4.2 (tests Learning Outcomes 4.1, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 4.6 and 4.7)
- a.How would you classify Askale’s illness? Give reasons for your answer and explain what treatment you would provide.
- b.What might Askale’s parents be concerned about and how would you reassure them?
Answer
- a.You should have classified Askale as having severe pneumonia or very severe disease. This is because she has had a cough for three days and her breathing can be assessed as ‘fast breathing’. She also has stridor and trouble breathing. You would need to refer Askale urgently to hospital, giving her a first dose of antibiotic (cotrimoxazole) before she leaves the health post.
- b.You will recall that there are four steps for referral, including calming the mother’s anxieties, as she may fear that her child will die in hospital or be worried about who can help her at home while she is away. It would be important for you to give the mother advice about keeping the child warm on the way to hospital, and tell her that she should continue breastfeeding.
SAQ 4.3 (tests Learning Outcomes 4.1, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 4.6 and 4.7)
How should you treat a child whom you classify as having just a cough or a cold?
Answer
If you classify a child as just having cough or a cold, then all you need to do is to encourage the carer to give fluids to soothe the throat. The child should also return to the heath post for a follow-up in two days time.
Summary of Study Session 4