Free Childhood Nutrition and Malnutrition MCQs with Answers
50 Childhood Nutrition and Malnutrition MCQs from Paediatric Nursing, each with the correct answer and a written explanation of why it is correct. Free and unlimited, with no account needed.
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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50 questions · page 3 of 3
- A. Folate
- B. Calcium
- C. Vitamin C
- D. Vitamin K
Explanation: Folate supports normal formation of the neural tube and helps prevent neural tube defects.
Correct answer: Folate- A. The infant has regular wet nappies and gains weight
- B. The infant sleeps for eight hours after every feed
- C. The infant accepts diluted cow's milk after breastfeeding
- D. The infant feeds for exactly ten minutes at each breast
Explanation: Regular urine output and appropriate weight gain are useful indicators of adequate milk intake.
Correct answer: The infant has regular wet nappies and gains weight- A. Moderate acute malnutrition
- B. Severe acute malnutrition
- C. Normal nutritional status
- D. Chronic mild undernutrition
Explanation: For children aged 6 to 59 months, a MUAC from 11.5 cm to less than 12.5 cm indicates moderate acute malnutrition when oedema is absent.
Correct answer: Moderate acute malnutrition- A. Oedema adds fluid weight to the measurement
- B. Fever increases the child's muscle mass
- C. Dehydration increases the measured body weight
- D. Short stature always causes a false weight reading
Explanation: Bilateral oedema adds extracellular fluid and may conceal marked loss of muscle and fat.
Correct answer: Oedema adds fluid weight to the measurement- A. Look for Bitot spots on the conjunctiva
- B. Check for a widened wrist joint
- C. Assess for a swollen thyroid gland
- D. Inspect for bleeding gums
Explanation: Bitot spots are foamy, whitish conjunctival lesions associated with vitamin A deficiency.
Correct answer: Look for Bitot spots on the conjunctiva- A. Continue age-appropriate feeding and breastfeeding
- B. Withhold all solid food until stools become normal
- C. Give only clear fluids for the next two days
- D. Stop breastfeeding until the diarrhoea resolves
Explanation: Continued feeding and breastfeeding help prevent weight loss and support intestinal recovery during diarrhoea.
Correct answer: Continue age-appropriate feeding and breastfeeding- A. A serving of orange or guava
- B. A cup of tea with the meal
- C. A large serving of polished rice
- D. A glass of milk with the meal
Explanation: Vitamin C in orange and guava improves absorption of non-haem iron from plant foods.
Correct answer: A serving of orange or guava- A. Mid-upper arm circumference
- B. Head circumference
- C. Chest circumference
- D. Sitting height
Explanation: MUAC is a practical field measurement that reflects muscle and fat stores and can identify acute malnutrition without requiring height.
Correct answer: Mid-upper arm circumference- A. Prepare small fresh portions and cover them safely
- B. Add extra water so the food remains soft
- C. Store the food uncovered to allow cooling
- D. Reheat the same food repeatedly throughout the day
Explanation: Small fresh portions, covered storage, and safe reheating reduce contamination and foodborne illness.
Correct answer: Prepare small fresh portions and cover them safely- A. Reduced serum albumin with bilateral oedema
- B. High haemoglobin with flushed skin
- C. Increased muscle strength with active play
- D. Normal growth with increased appetite
Explanation: Severe protein deficiency can reduce serum albumin, lowering plasma oncotic pressure and causing bilateral oedema.
Correct answer: Reduced serum albumin with bilateral oedema