Nutrition & Immunisation · NEET PG Preparation Paediatrics
A 14-month-old child is brought by his mother with complaints of failure to thrive, prominent ribs, loss of subcutaneous fat resulting in an 'old man…
Practice question from Nutrition & Immunisation (NEET PG Preparation Paediatrics), with the correct answer and a step-by-step solution.
easy · MCQ · Q-B491A9
A 14-month-old child is brought by his mother with complaints of failure to thrive, prominent ribs, loss of subcutaneous fat resulting in an 'old man' (simian) facies, and a weight-for-age below the 3rd percentile. The child appears alert, ravenously hungry, and lacks edema. Which of the following nutritional deficiency states is primarily responsible for this clinical presentation?
- A.Severe protein deficiency with adequate total energy intake
- B.Deficiency of both total energy and protein (Marasmus)Correct answer
- C.Isolated Vitamin D and calcium deficiency
- D.Zinc and essential fatty acid deficiency exclusively
Solution
Marasmus is a form of severe acute malnutrition caused by a severe deficiency of both protein and total calories. Unlike kwashiorkor, marasmus is characterized by severe muscle wasting, complete loss of subcutaneous fat (giving an aged, wizened 'old man' appearance), absence of edema, and an alert, ravenously hungry child.
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