Self-Assessment Questions (SAQs) for Study Session 18
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 18.1 (tests Learning Outcomes 18.1, 18.2 and 18.3)
Which of the following statements is false? In each case, explain what is incorrect.
A The risk of a UTI can be reduced by washing hands and genitals properly.
B A woman is more likely to get infections of the urethra, bladder or kidneys during pregnancy than at other times.
C It is important to give iron tablets to prevent anaemia only at the first antenatal visit.
D Encouraging a woman with a UTI to drink 1 glass of liquid every hour while she is awake helps to reduce her bladder infection.
E Malaria in pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of spontaneous abortion and stillbirth.
F Milk is rich in folate, so drinking plenty of milk during pregnancy can help to prevent anaemia.
Answer
A is true. The risk of urinary tract infection (UTI) can be reduced by washing hands and genitals properly.
B is true. A pregnant woman is more likely to get a UTI than when she is not pregnant.
C is false. Iron tablets to prevent anaemia should be given at every antenatal visit – not just the first one.
D is true. Encouraging a woman with a UTI to drink fluids every hour while she is awake will help to reduce her bladder infection.
E is true. Malaria in pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of spontaneous abortion and stillbirth.
F is false. Milk is good for pregnant women as part of a balanced diet, but it is not rich in folate; she should eat plenty of fish, beans, peas, dark green leafy vegetables, red meat, brown rice, whole wheat, mushrooms and eggs to increase the folate in her diet.
SAQ 18.2 (tests Learning Outcomes 18.1, 18.4, 18.5 and 18.6)
Complete the empty boxes in Table 18.1.
| Medical condition | Signs and symptoms |
|---|---|
| Malaria |
|
| Anaemia |
|
| Bladder infection |
|
| Kidney infection |
|
Answer
The completed version of Table 18.1 appears below.
| Medical condition | Signs and symptoms |
|---|---|
| Malaria | Chills, rigors, headache, weakness, fever alternating with chills, sweating as the temperature falls, sometimes diarrhoea/vomiting, muscle/joint pain. Malaria parasites detected by blood testing. |
| Anaemia | Pallor, rapid breathing (breathlessness), fast pulse (over 100 beats/minute), weakness, dizziness, occasionally fainting. Low haemoglobin detected by blood testing. |
| Bladder infection | Constant feeling of needing to urinate, pair or burning while urinating, pain in the lower belly. Bacteria detected by urine testing. |
| Kidney infection | As for bladder infection, plus cloudy or bloody urine, fever, feeling very sick or weak, flank pain in one or both sides which is not relieved by massage, repeated vomiting, chills and persistent shivering. |
Summary of Study Session 18