1 Babies born prematurely (below 37 weeks gestation) should still start their first routine immunisations at eight weeks after birth. True or false?
2 Name three signs indicating that a baby may be dehydrated.
3 Babies or children who have had an acute attack of gastroenteritis should not be given any food for the next 24 hours. True or false?
4 Babies must change to follow-on-milk once they are six months old. True or false?
5 Children who have been dry at night but who start wetting the bed again could have which infection?a) head liceb) threadwormsc) chickenpox
ANSWERS
1 True. Premature babies, like full-term infants, should receive their primary immunisations at the ages of eight, 12, and 16 weeks.
2 A sunken fontanelle; reduced urine output; dry mouth or tongue; increased thirst; sunken eyes; or failure of the skin go back quickly when pinched (skin elasticity) may all be signs that a baby is dehydrated and needs fluids.
3 False. Studies have found that there is no need to restrict the diet or to dilute milk after gastroenteritis. Early re-introduction of food does not worsen mild diarrhoea and may reduce it.
4 False. Babies can continue to breastfeed or remain on ordinary formula past the age of six months. At 12 months they can continue to be breastfed if the mother wishes, or change from formula to ordinary full cream milk.
5 B. Bedwetting in a child who has previously been dry could be a sign of threadworms.
