Which finding most strongly supports a diagnosis of marasmus in a young child?
Correct answer: A. Severe wasting with marked loss of subcutaneous fat
- A. Severe wasting with marked loss of subcutaneous fat
- B. Bilateral pitting oedema with a rounded face
- C. Generalised oedema with fatty liver enlargement
- D. Depigmented hair with a flaky skin rash
Explanation
Marasmus is severe energy deficiency causing extreme wasting and loss of fat and muscle, usually without oedema. Bilateral oedema, skin changes, and fatty liver are more characteristic of kwashiorkor.
Report an error
The more specific you are, the faster it gets fixed. A source beats an opinion.
Prefer email? support@testustad.com
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.
Practise Childhood Nutrition and Malnutrition
50 free Childhood Nutrition and Malnutrition MCQs from Paediatric Nursing, each with the correct answer and an explanation. Unlimited attempts, no account needed.
Discussion
Stuck on an option, or know a faster way to get there? Ask or explain it here.
No comments yet. Be the first to explain this one.
Exams that ask Paediatric Nursing questions like this
Paediatric Nursing is on 9 papers prepared for on TestUstad, and all of them draw the same bank, so this question is worth knowing for every one of them.
More Childhood Nutrition and Malnutrition questions
A 7-month-old infant is starting complementary feeding. Which instruction should the nurse give the mother?
For a healthy term infant, which feeding practice is recommended during the first 6 months of life?
A child has bilateral pitting oedema of both feet, sparse discoloured hair, and apathy. Which condition is most likely?
A child has difficulty seeing in dim light and dry conjunctivae. Which deficiency should the nurse suspect first?
A preschool child is pale, tired, and has a low haemoglobin level. Which dietary advice best helps prevent iron deficiency?
A 2-year-old child has bowed legs, widened wrists, delayed dentition, and poor muscle tone. Which deficiency is most likely?