Unit 8 - Trauma and childhood diseases

Question 1

What is the most common cause of learning disabilities in children?

Answer 1

Down’s syndrome

Question 2

Prevention of SIDS

Answer 2

1. Prenatal care
2. Breastfeeding: An effective if practiced exclusively for the first six months of life.
3. Bedding: Firm mattress, no bumper pads, pillows, stuffed animals, fluffy bedding
   or padding
4. Temperature control: A sleep sack eliminates the need for blankets. If blankets are
   used, they should be lightweight, securely tucked in at the foot of the crib, and not
   cover baby’s head.
5. Back to sleep: Since initiating the “Back to Sleep” campaign in 1994 advising parents to place babies to sleep on their backs, the incidence of SIDS has reduced >50%.
6. Sleeping alone
7. Pacifier use

Question 3

What age is SIDS most likely to occur at?

Answer 3

Between the second and third months of life

Question 4

Risk factors for SIDS

Answer 4

• Age: SIDS is more likely to occur between the second and third months of life.
• Sex: Boys are more likely to die of SIDS than girls.
• Family history: Babies with a sibling or cousin who died of SIDS are at an increased risk.
• Race: Black, Native American, and Eskimo babies are more susceptible to SIDS.
• Birth order: SIDS more likely in second and later born infants than firstborn.
• Season: SIDS is more common in winter than in summer.
• Overheating: Babies who are tucked in with excessive layers of blankets and/or clothing layers are more at risk.
• Maternal age: Young mothers under 20 years old are more likely to have a baby with SIDS.
• Socioeconomic status: While SIDS occurs across all income levels, there is a higher risk of the condition among those living in poverty.
• Smoking: Maternal smoking during pregnancy increases the risk of SIDS.
• Drug and alcohol use
• Little to no prenatal care

Question 5

Hypothermia

Answer 5

When the body’s temperature falls to 35 degrees C (95 degrees F) or below

Question 6

Who is most susceptible to hypothermia?

Answer 6

Infants and older adults (poor temperature regulation)

Question 7

How is fifth disease treated?

Answer 7

Fifth disease usually resolves without intervention

Question 8

How is the mildest form of spina bifida treated?

Answer 8

It requires no treatment

Question 9

Treatment for hyperthermia

Answer 9

 Immersion in cold water
 Evaporation cooling technique: Cool water is misted onto the skin while warm air is
fanned over the body. The water evaporates, cooling the skin.
 Ice packs and cooling blankets: Ice packs are applied to the groin, neck, back, and
armpits, while a cooling blanket is applied.
 Medication: Treatments to cool the body cause it to shiver. As shivering raises the body
temperature, muscle relaxants may be given to prevent shivering.

Question 10

Mosaic down syndrome

Answer 10

Abnormal cell division after conception leads to mosaic Down
syndrome, whereby only some cells have the extra 21st chromosome. It is so named as a
mosaic of normal and abnormal cells within the body.

Question 11

How many children with Down syndrome inherited it from a parent?

Answer 11

4%

Question 12

Translocation Down syndrome

Answer 12

Children with this unusual form of Down syndrome
have two copies of the 21st chromosome, but extra parts of that chromosome are also
attached to other chromosomes. The attachment occurs either before or during
conception.

Question 13

Trisomy 21

Answer 13

The most common cause of Down syndrome. Responsible for
90% of Down syndrome cases. Caused by abnormal cell division during development of the sperm or egg cell. All cells in a child’s body have three copies
of chromosome 21.

Question 14

Which chromosome is affected in Down Syndrome?

Answer 14

Chromosome 21

Question 15

Causes of SIDS

Answer 15

It is widely believed the babies who die of SIDS have abnormally developed regions within the brain associated with breathing and arousal from sleep. Low birth weight babies, such as premature babies or multiples, are at an increased risk of SIDS as they often have difficulties with
breathing and heart rate. Most babies who die of SIDS reportedly had cold
symptoms prior to death, which may be a factor in breathing problems.

Question 16

Health issues associated with Down’s syndrome

Answer 16

 Heart defects: These affect around half of children with Down syndrome.
 Infectious diseases: Abnormal immune systems make those with Down syndrome more
vulnerable to infectious diseases.
 Leukemia
 Dementia: Dementia is often accompanied by seizures and can occur before age 40.
 Sleep apnea: Soft tissue and skeletal abnormalities lead to increased incidence of airway
obstruction.
 Obesity
 Gastrointestinal blockages
 Hearing loss
 Early aging
 Thyroid problems
 Early menopause
 Poor vision
 Skeletal problems

Question 17

Abuse

Answer 17

Abuse can be defined as a systematic pattern occurring in a relationship in which one person seeks to gain and/or maintain power and control over another person. Fear is a key element in
situations of abuse and is used to maintain control. There are many kinds of abuse, and often
more than one kind of abuse is present in an abusive relationship

Question 18

Physical abuse

Answer 18

Any unwanted physical contact constitutes physical abuse. Physical injury does not have to
result for an act to be considered physical abuse; threats to physically harm someone constitute
physical abuse. This includes hitting, slapping, punching, restraining, pushing, hugging or holding
when not wanted, pulling hair, pinching, choking, kicking, hitting with objects, and abandoning
someone in a dangerous place.

Question 19

Signs of physical abuse

Answer 19

Bruises, burns, cuts, or marks
 Scars
 Spotty baldness (from hair pulling)
 Missing teeth
 Eye injuries
 Broken bones
Sprains
 Abrasions or scrapes
 Aggression or passivity
 Shrink from physical contact
 Clothing that covers the body that is not necessarily appropriate for the weather 
conditions

Question 20

Verbal abuse

Answer 20

Verbal abuse uses words and body language to manipulate a person and make him or her feel
badly about their lives and/or abilities. Verbal abuse is ongoing and destructive as it gradually
tears a person down, causing low self-esteem and self-worth. Victims of verbal abuse feel they
are not worthy of opportunities presented to them because of their low sense of self.

Question 21

Signs of verbal abuse

Answer 21

 Nervousness
 Aggression or passivity
 A compulsion to report everything to avoid conflict
 Doubt of sanity, intelligence, or communication skills
 Low self-esteem

Question 22

Signs of sexual abuse

Answer 22

Vaginal or rectal pain
 Bleeding
 Frequent urinary tract infections or yeast infections
 Painful urination
 Incontinence in toilet trained individuals
 Frequent sore throats
 Difficulty walking or sitting

Question 23

Emotional abuse

Answer 23

Emotional abuse manipulates a person’s feelings and can also be considered mental or
psychological abuse. This kind of abuse seeks to alter a person’s sense of reality. Name-calling,
criticisms, threats, destruction of belongings, controlling behavior, and insults are all hallmarks of emotional abuse. Emotional abuse is painful and can result in serious psychological effects
later in life.

Question 24

Signs of emotional abuse

Answer 24

Fear
 Humiliation
 Question sanity
 Isolation
 Threats
 Intimidation
 Denial

Question 25

Risk factors for Down’s syndrome

Answer 25

Mother’s age: Women aged 35 and older have a 1 in 400 chance of delivering a
baby with Down syndrome. By age 45, the chance has increased to 1 in 35.
 Carriers for translocation Down syndrome: Either the mother or the father can carry
the gene associated with this form of Down syndrome.
 Having a child with Down syndrome: If a child is born with Down syndrome, the parents
have a 1% chance of having another child with the condition.

Question 26

Members of a cerebral palsy medical team

Answer 26

General practitioner, family doctor, or pediatrician
 Orthopedist
 Pediatric neurologist
 Occupational therapist
 Speech therapist
 Physical therapist
 Developmental therapist

Depending on the circumstances, mental health providers and/or social workers may be included as part of the medical care team. Additionally, children with cerebral palsy sometimes receive assistance from special education teachers to address the intellectual and
learning disabilities associated with the condition.

Question 27

Medical treatment for cerebral palsy

Answer 27

Medications can be prescribed to help with muscle tightness, pain management, and
complications from spasticity. In some cases, surgery is in order. Orthopedic surgery can lengthen muscles and tendons, leading to less pain and better mobility. In severe cases, surgery is performed to sever spastic muscles, thereby leading to relaxed muscles and reduced pain.

Question 28

Neglect

Answer 28

Failure to provide basic needs for dependents is neglect. Neglect can only happen in cases in
which one person is responsible for a dependent, such as children or elderly dependents. Failure
to provide adequate and appropriate food, shelter, love, care, clothing, or hygiene are all signs
of neglect. In cases of poverty or illness, neglect is still neglect, although mitigating
circumstances may be present.

Question 29

Signs of neglect

Answer 29

Dehydration
 Poor or improper hygiene
 Poor grooming
 Smell of urine or feces
 Malnourishment/ weight loss
 Improper sleeping, cooking, or bathing arrangements
 Clutter, filth, or stench in the home
 Infestations of roaches, rodents, fleas, or lice
 Skin conditions like rashes or bedsores
 Lack of necessary aids, like glasses or hearing aids
 Lack of supervision

Question 30

Common effects of abuse

Answer 30

Depression
 Anxiety
 Substance abuse
 Posttraumatic stress disorder
 Personality disorder (such as borderline or narcissistic disorder)
 Sexual promiscuity
 Sexual encounters are undesirable, either physically or emotionally
 Sexually transmitted disease
Unwanted pregnancy
 Suicidal impulses
 Low self-esteem
 Lack of close, trusting relationships
 Eating disorders

Question 31

Growth and development in children with Down’s syndrome

Answer 31

Babies born with Down syndrome are usually average size, but growth slows down. Children
with Down syndrome are usually shorter than children of the same age. Developmental
milestones, like crawling or sitting, are reached an average of twice the age of that as same age
peers. Some mental retardation is present in children with Down syndrome, although the
severity varies.

Question 32

Physical features of children with Down’s syndrome

Answer 32

Flattened facial features
 Small head
 Short neck
 Almond-shaped eyes that slant upward
 Protruding tongue
 Unusual shaped ears
 Short fingers
 Poor muscle tone
 Short hands that are wide and have one crease in the palm
 Extreme flexibility

Question 33

Infections and exposures during pregnancy with a high risk of resulting in cerebral palsy

Answer 33

Varicella (chicken pox)
 Rubella (German measles)
 Toxoplasmosis (found in soil and cat feces)
 Cytomegalovirus
 Syphilis
 Exposure to methyl mercury and other toxins

Question 34

Influenza

Answer 34

Influenza, also known as “the flu,” is a respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus.
Commonly affects the respiratory system, including the nose, throat, and lungs, the influenza virus is spread by droplets.

Symptoms of influenza include fever, cough, stuffy or runny nose, body aches, chills, headaches, and fatigue. Children can have vomiting and diarrhea, but influenza is not the same as the stomach flu. In some cases, complications can occur and death can result.

The influenza virus mutates every year, leading to different strains. The flu vaccine is the only
protection against the flu, although anti-viral medications like TamiFlu can lessen the severity
once the flu is contracted.

Question 35

Measles

Answer 35

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that affects the respiratory system. Symptoms of
measles include fever, runny nose, and a rash all over the body. Children who are exposed to
measles through contact with someone who is coughing, sneezing, or breathing will catch the
disease.
Complications from measles include pneumonia, encephalitis, or death. Measles is rare thanks
to vaccination programs, but sporadic cases can and do occur among the unvaccinated.

Question 36

Chickenpox (varicella)

Answer 36

Chicken pox, also known as varicella, is no longer a common childhood disease in many
countries thanks to the introduction of the varicella vaccine. It is a viral infection that causes
fever, headache, and stomach ache before the appearance of itchy blisters all over the body.

Chicken pox is highly contagious and airborne, so it is difficult for those who are unvaccinated or
who have never had chicken pox to avoid. It can lead to complications like serious bacterial
infections or pneumonia, especially in those with weakened immune systems.

Question 37

Respiratory syncytial virus infection (RSV)

Answer 37

Respiratory syncytial virus infection (RSV) affects the lungs and breathing passages. While most
healthy people recover from RSV within 1-2 weeks, the infection is usually severe in infants and
older adults.
RSV is the most common cause of pneumonia and bronchiolitis in children under the age of one
year. RSV infections are most common from November to April, but can occur at any time of the
year. Coughing, sneezing, runny nose, fever, decreased appetite, and wheezing are symptoms of
RSV, and some cases are severe enough to warrant hospitalization.

Question 38

Pneumonia

Answer 38

Pneumonia is a lung infection, caused by either bacterial or viral germs. Pneumonia is common
in patients with chronic diseases like asthma, diabetes, heart disease, or cancer.
Pneumonia is characterized by a deep cough with mucus, fast breathing, and shortness of
breath. Fever, chills, chest pain, weakness, and fatigue are also signs of pneumonia. While some
cases of pneumonia can be managed at home, severe cases can require hospitalization.

Question 39

Pertussis

Answer 39

Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is characterized by violent, uncontrollable coughing
that interferes with breathing. The severe coughing leads to a whooping sound as the person is
trying to catch his or her breath. Caused by bacteria, whooping cough is highly contagious.
The disease is most common in infants and young children and can be fatal. The pertussis
immunization is the best way to protect against whooping cough.

Question 40

Rotavirus

Answer 40

Rotavirus is a viral infection that leads to inflammation of the stomach and intestines, fever,
watery diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Babies and young children with rotavirus are at
increased risk of dehydration. Rotavirus is responsible for many hospitalizations and death each
year. A vaccine to protect against rotavirus was released in 2006.

Question 41

Fifth disease

Answer 41

Fifth disease is a common childhood virus that results in a lacy, “slapped cheek” rash. Fifth
disease usually begins with nonspecific symptoms like a fever, headache, and runny nose before
progressing to the rash. Spread through infected respiratory secretions, fifth disease usually
clears up on its own with no treatment necessary. Fifth disease can cause complications in
people with weakened immune systems and pregnant women.

Question 42

Rubella

Answer 42

Rubella is virus that typically results in fever and a rash, lasting 2-3 days. Rubella is spread
through contact with an infected person and can lead to birth defects if acquired during
pregnancy. Also known as German measles, cases of rubella are rare due to vaccination.
However, rubella does occur in unvaccinated individuals.

Question 43

Streptococcal infections

Answer 43

Streptococcus is a bacterium that can lead to a wide range of streptococcal infections, including
strep throat, impetigo, scarlet fever, cellulitis, pneumonia, meningitis, or blood infections. Strep
infections require antibiotic treatment and can be serious or life-threatening if left untreated.

Question 44

Meningitis

Answer 44

Meningitis results from inflammation of meninges, the thin tissue surrounding the brain and
spinal cord. While there are several kinds of meningitis, the most common kind is viral
meningitis. Bacterial meningitis is more rare than viral meningitis, but can be fatal. Symptoms of
meningitis include a sudden fever, stiff neck, and severe headache. Meningitis progresses
rapidly, so immediate treatment is necessary to prevent serious complications.

Question 45

Spina bifida

Answer 45

In spina bifida, the spine does not
form correctly as the neural tube, the tube that eventually develops into the central nervous
system, either does not develop completely or does not close properly. This leads to defects in
the spinal cord and backbone.

Question 46

Prevention of tennis elbow

Answer 46

Proper form during repetitive motions
 Exercises to stretch and/or strengthen the muscle
 Braces to reduce stress on the injured tendon
 Changing the setup of the work station

Question 47

People at the greatest risk of tennis elbow

Answer 47

it is most common in adults between the
ages of 30 to 50. People with repetitive jobs-like plumbers, painters, carpenters, butchers, and
cooks as well as participants in racket sports, like tennis or racquet ball, are more likely to
develop tennis elbow.

Question 48

Symptoms of tennis elbow

Answer 48

Elbow pain that gradually worsens is the primary symptom of tennis elbow. The pain may
radiate from the back of the elbow to the forearm and wrist. This may be accompanied by
weakness when grasping objects. Untreated tennis elbow can lead to chronic pain.

Question 49

What is the test that allows doctors to see if there is a pinched nerve instead of Tennis elbow?

Answer 49

Electromyograms (EMGs) can indicate if symptoms are the result of a
pinched nerve.