Question

Joshua is a 7 years old class 2 student who lives with his parents and his 4 siblings in a rural settlement and has been diagnosed with a CHRONIC ILLNESS of TUBERCULOSIS

that will require frequent admission or visits to the hospital. His father is a security officer and his mother stays home and is a housewife.   

TUBERCULOSIS

Using the development theory, discuss the impacts of the chronic illness on Joshua's growth and development with reference to the literature.

Answer 1

Children at risk for tuberculosis

• A compromised immune system such as those who have the HIV virus – a weak immune system can’t fight off the bacteria
• Prolonged exposure to a member of the family who is suffering from TB
• active TB
• Children with severe malnutrition have weak bodies which are incapable of fighting off the TB bacteria
• Children below the age of five have a relatively poor immune system and are susceptible to getting

Symptoms of TB in children

Once TB becomes active, the symptoms displayed include:

• A persistent cough which may contain blood
• Weight loss due to poor appetite even though the diet has not changed
• Fever, chills, and night sweats
• Overall weakness