During a community nutrition assessment, a child has visible severe wasting and swelling of both feet. What is the priority action?

Correct answer: A. Refer urgently for assessment and treatment of severe malnutrition

  • A. Refer urgently for assessment and treatment of severe malnutrition
  • B. Advise the caregiver to reduce the child's food intake
  • C. Give a routine multivitamin and review after one month
  • D. Start a weight-loss plan and encourage more physical activity

Explanation

Severe wasting with bilateral pitting oedema is a sign of severe acute malnutrition and may involve serious medical complications. The child needs urgent referral for assessment, stabilization, and therapeutic nutrition rather than delayed routine follow-up.

Submitted by a TestUstad contributor and published by the TestUstad editorial teamLast updated
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Maternal and child health covers antenatal care, danger signs in pregnancy, skilled birth attendance, postpartum care, family planning and prevention of maternal complications. It also includes newborn care, breastfeeding, growth monitoring, nutrition, immunization, common childhood illnesses and integrated management of childhood illness in the community.

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