Self-Assessment Questions (SAQs) for Study Session 8
Now that 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 Case Study 8.1 and then answer the questions that follow.
Case Study 8.1 for SAQ 8.1
Negash is a 13-month-old child presenting to the health post with cough. The Health Extension Practitioner assessed him and found the following signs: pitting oedema of both feet; MUAC was 12.5 cm; some palmar pallor. The HEP also identified fast breathing and classified Negash as having pneumonia.
SAQ 8.1 (tests Learning Outcomes 8.1, 8.2 and 8.3)
- a.Describe how you would classify Negash’s type of nutritional problem and explain what you would do to manage him.
- b.Write down what you think might be the concerns of Negash’s mother and two or three things you could say or do to advise and reassure her.
Answer
- a.Negash has severe complicated malnutrition as he has pitting oedema of both feet and a complicating illness — pneumonia. The first thing you would need to do is give Negash a first dose of amoxicillin, or cotrimoxazole if there is no amoxicillin. You would then need to refer him urgently to the health facility with in-patient care. Because Negash has pneumonia you do not need to carry out an appetite test.
- b.Negash’s mother is likely to be very anxious and reluctant to go to hospital. Explain to her that the necessary drugs and care to help her child recover from his health problems are available in a hospital. Tell her that you will give her a referral note that will explain Negash’s problems and that the hospital will give Negash the necessary care.
Read Case Study 8.2 and then answer the questions that follow.
Case Study 8.2 for SAQ 8.2
Jemal is a 22-month-old boy and weighs 6.5 kg. His mother has brought him because he has had swollen feet for three days. When you assessed Jemal, you found pitting oedema of the feet, MUAC of 10 cm, no palmar pallor and no other problems. Jemal passed an appetite test. You are in a facility where there is an OTP, and there is an SFP in your kebele.
SAQ 8.2 (tests Learning Outcomes 8.1, 8.3 and 8.4)
- a.Describe how you would classify Jemal’s illness.
- b.Describe the management you are going to give him.
Answer
- a.In your answer you would have classified Jemal’s nutritional status as severe uncomplicated malnutrition. This is the correct classification for a child aged six months and above, with either pitting oedema of the feet or MUAC less than 11 cm, and no medical complication, and who passes an appetite test.
- b.You would admit Jemal to the OTP and manage him using the standard OTP protocol. You need to advise the mother to return immediately if the child’s condition worsens.
SAQ 8.3 (tests Learning Outcomes 8.1, 8.2, 8.3 and 8.4)
What are the advantages of having an OTP in your area?
Answer
The advantage of an OTP is that a child with severe uncomplicated malnutrition can be treated without having to go to hospital. They can be given the appropriate drugs and also therapeutic food to eat at home. They will also receive follow-up care.
Summary of Study Session 8