A child has a height-for-age measurement below the expected range, while weight-for-height is appropriate. Which condition does this pattern indicate?

Correct answer: A. Stunting from chronic undernutrition

  • A. Stunting from chronic undernutrition
  • B. Wasting from recent weight loss
  • C. Overweight from excess energy intake
  • D. Oedematous malnutrition from protein deficiency

Explanation

Low height-for-age indicates stunting, which usually reflects chronic or repeated undernutrition. Wasting is identified mainly by low weight-for-height, while oedema requires clinical assessment rather than height measurement alone.

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About Childhood Nutrition and Malnutrition

Childhood nutrition covers essential nutrients, breastfeeding, complementary feeding, dietary assessment, growth monitoring and age-appropriate feeding practices. Questions distinguish protein-energy malnutrition, including marasmus and kwashiorkor, from micronutrient deficiencies such as iron, vitamin A, vitamin D and iodine deficiency, using clinical signs and anthropometric findings.

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