Q1. Comparative table differentiating chickenpox, measles, and monkeypox
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Q1. Comparative table differentiating chickenpox, measles, and monkeypox
| Feature | Chickenpox | Measles | Monkeypox |
|---|---|---|---|
| Causative Agent | Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) | Measles virus (Rubeola virus) | Monkeypox virus (Orthopoxvirus) |
| Transmission | Airborne (respiratory droplets), direct contact with rash fluid | Airborne (respiratory droplets), direct contact | Direct contact with infected animals/humans (lesions, body fluids, respiratory droplets), contaminated materials |
| Clinical Presentation | Itchy rash (macules papules vesicles crusts) appearing in "crops," fever, malaise. | Fever, cough, coryza, conjunctivitis, Koplik spots, maculopapular rash starting on face and spreading downwards. | Fever, headache, muscle aches, lymphadenopathy, rash (macules papules vesicles pustules scabs) often starting on face/extremities. |
| Treatment | Supportive care (antipyretics, antihistamines), antiviral drugs (e.g., acyclovir) for severe cases or high-risk individuals. | Supportive care (antipyretics, hydration, vitamin A supplementation), no specific antiviral treatment. | Supportive care (antipyretics, pain relief, hydration), antiviral drugs (e.g., tecovirimat) for severe cases. |
| Prevention | Varicella vaccine | MMR vaccine | Smallpox vaccine (effective against monkeypox), avoiding contact with infected animals, good hygiene. |
Q2. A 24-month-old boy with fever and convulsion
Part i
Enumerate five (5) causes of this condition
- Febrile seizure
- Meningitis
- Encephalitis
- Cerebral malaria
- Electrolyte imbalance (e.g., hyponatremia)
Part ii· 5 steps
How would you manage this child
Initial Assessment and Stabilization
Ensure airway patency, breathing, and circulation (ABCs). Place the child in the recovery position. Administer oxygen if needed.
Stop the Seizure
Administer an anticonvulsant such as rectal diazepam (0.5 mg/kg) or intravenous/intramuscular phenobarbital (15-20 mg/kg loading dose) if the seizure is ongoing or prolonged.
Fever Management
Administer antipyretics like paracetamol (15 mg/kg orally/rectally) or ibuprofen (10 mg/kg orally) to reduce fever. Remove excess clothing and use tepid sponging.
Identify and Treat Underlying Cause
Take a detailed history and perform a thorough physical examination. Conduct investigations such as a full blood count, blood glucose, electrolytes, malaria parasite test, and if meningitis is suspected, a lumbar puncture. Treat the specific cause (e.g., antibiotics for bacterial meningitis, antimalarials for malaria).
Monitoring and Supportive Care
Monitor vital signs, neurological status, and fluid balance. Ensure adequate hydration and nutrition. Provide parental counseling and education on febrile seizures and when to seek urgent medical attention.
Q3. Amoebic dysentery
Part a
State the five (5) clinical features of amoebic dysentery
- Bloody diarrhea (often with mucus)
- Abdominal pain and cramping
- Tenesmus (painful straining to pass stool)
- Fever (less common than in bacterial dysentery, but can occur)
- Weight loss (in chronic cases)
Part b· 5 steps
How would you manage a 36-month-old child with this condition
Assessment and Diagnosis
Confirm the diagnosis through stool microscopy to identify Entamoeba histolytica trophozoites or cysts. Assess the child's hydration status and nutritional state.
Antiamoebic Treatment
Administer a tissue amoebicide such as metronidazole (30-50 mg/kg/day divided into three doses for 5-10 days) to treat invasive disease. Follow with a luminal amoebicide like diloxanide furoate (20 mg/kg/day divided into three doses for 10 days) to eradicate cysts from the gut lumen.
Fluid and Electrolyte Management
Provide oral rehydration solution (ORS) to prevent or treat dehydration. In severe dehydration, intravenous fluids may be necessary.
Nutritional Support
Encourage continued feeding with easily digestible, nutritious foods. Address any signs of malnutrition.
Hygiene and Prevention
Educate parents on proper hand hygiene, safe water sources, and proper food preparation to prevent recurrence and spread.
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