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Appetite
Click each step to see the description and its accompanying animation.
Step 1: prepare and explain
Choose a separate and quiet area to assess Sheema’s appetite. Explain
to Sheema’s carer, her mother, the purpose of the appetite test and
how it will be carried out.
Step 2: washing hands
Ask Sheema’s carer to wash her hands.
Step 3: offering the Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Foods (RUTF)
Ask Sheema’s carer to sit comfortably with Sheema on her lap. Sheema’s
carer should either offer Sheema the Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Foods
(RUTF) from the packet or put a small amount of the food on her finger
and offer it to Sheema. Sheema’s carer should offer the food gently,
encouraging Sheema all the time.
Step 4: offering water
Sheema’s carer should offer her plenty of water while she is taking the
therapeutic food.
Step 5: using the result for planning management
A child fails the appetite test if s/he eats <1/3 of a 92g packet
in 30 minutes. Use the test result as a basis for inpatient or community-based
approach to management. Sheema continuously refuses to eat and she
needs to be referred for inpatient care.
