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Unit assessment
Choose the most appropriate answers.
1. Which indicators are recommended for community-based screening for
SAM?
a) MUAC
b) Oedema
c) Complications, e.g. fever
d) Clinical alertness
e) Weight-for-age
f) Weight-for-height

Feedback
The correct answers are a) and b). MUAC permits many children to
be screened quickly for wasting. Oedema is correct, as SAM is
defined as severe wasting and/or oedema. Weight-for-height is
not suited for community screening as it is not rapid and the
equipment is less portable. c) and d) are important in differentiating
between SAM 'with and without complications', but are not 'indicators'
of SAM.
Please answer the question first.