Pediatric Nutrition Practice Questions

Q: Which condition is characterized by the sign shown in the image?

Kwashiorkor. ***Kwashiorkor*** - The image shows sparse, dry, and discolored hair, sometimes described as having a **"flag sign"** due to alternating bands of light and dark hair, which is characteristic of **protein-energy malnutrition (PEM)**, specifically kwashiorkor. - Kwashiorkor results from a severe protein deficiency with relatively adequate calorie intake, leading to hair changes, **edema**, and a distended abdomen. *Marasmus* - Marasmus is characterized by severe muscle wasting and loss of subcutaneous fat due to a deficiency in both protein and overall calorie intake, but **hair changes are less prominent** than in kwashiorkor. - Individuals with marasmus appear incredibly emaciated and "skeletal" but typically do not exhibit the same degree of hair discoloration or edema. *Pellagra* - Pellagra is caused by a deficiency of **niacin (vitamin B3)** and is characterized by the "3 Ds": **dermatitis**, **diarrhea**, and **dementia**. - While it can affect hair quality, it does not typically present with the specific hair changes, such as the "flag sign," seen in the image. *None of above* - The distinct hair abnormalities depicted in the image are highly suggestive of a specific nutritional deficiency, making "None of the above" incorrect.

Q: Which of the following is an absolute contraindication to breastfeeding according to WHO guidelines?

Active, untreated maternal tuberculosis. ***Active, untreated maternal tuberculosis*** - According to **WHO guidelines**, active, untreated tuberculosis in the mother IS an **absolute contraindication to direct breastfeeding** due to the risk of transmission to the infant through respiratory droplets during close contact. - However, **expressed breast milk** can be given to the infant during this period as TB is not transmitted through breast milk itself. - Once the mother has received **at least 2 weeks of appropriate anti-tubercular treatment** and is no longer infectious, **direct breastfeeding can be safely resumed**. - This is a temporary contraindication that becomes resolved with treatment, but in the untreated state, it is considered absolute for direct breastfeeding. *Maternal diarrhoea* - **Maternal diarrhea** is NOT a contraindication to breastfeeding according to WHO. - Antibodies in breast milk actually help **protect the infant** from gastrointestinal infections. - Mothers should maintain **good hand hygiene** to prevent fecal-oral transmission, but breastfeeding should continue. - Maternal hydration should be maintained to ensure adequate milk production. *1st 24 hours after Caesarean section* - The **first 24 hours after cesarean section** is NOT a contraindication to breastfeeding. - **Early initiation of breastfeeding** within the first hour after delivery is recommended even after C-section to promote bonding and establish milk supply. - While positioning may require adjustment due to surgical pain, this is managed with **proper support and pain relief**, not by withholding breastfeeding. - Skin-to-skin contact and breastfeeding should be facilitated as soon as the mother is alert and responsive. *None of the above* - This is incorrect because active, untreated maternal tuberculosis IS an absolute contraindication to direct breastfeeding according to WHO guidelines, though expressed breast milk can still be provided.

Q: In infants and toddlers, craniotabes is a sign related to the deficiency of

Vitamin D. ***Vitamin D (Correct Answer)*** - **Craniotabes** refers to the softening of the cranial bones, characterized by a "ping-pong ball" sensation on palpation. - It is an **early clinical sign of rickets** in infants, which results from **vitamin D deficiency**. - **Vitamin D** is essential for the absorption and metabolism of **calcium and phosphate**, which are critical for proper bone mineralization. - Without adequate vitamin D, bones remain inadequately mineralized, leading to softening. *Vitamin K (Incorrect)* - **Vitamin K** plays a role in **blood coagulation** (clotting factors II, VII, IX, X) and bone metabolism through carboxylation of osteocalcin. - Deficiency manifests primarily as **bleeding disorders** (hemorrhagic disease of newborn), not skeletal abnormalities. - Does not cause craniotabes or bone softening. *Vitamin A (Incorrect)* - **Vitamin A** is essential for **vision** (rhodopsin formation), **immune function**, and **epithelial cell differentiation**. - Deficiency causes **night blindness** (earliest sign), **xerophthalmia**, **Bitot's spots**, and increased susceptibility to infections. - Not associated with skeletal manifestations like craniotabes. *Vitamin C (Incorrect)* - **Vitamin C** (ascorbic acid) is required for **collagen synthesis** (hydroxylation of proline and lysine). - Deficiency causes **scurvy**, characterized by **bleeding gums**, **petechiae**, **subperiosteal hemorrhages**, and impaired wound healing. - While scurvy affects bone matrix and periosteum, it does not cause the characteristic softening of cranial bones seen in craniotabes.

Q: Which of the following criteria are used for detecting a child with severe acute malnutrition according to WHO guidelines? 1. Bilateral pitting oedema 2. Weight for height Z-score less than minus three SD 3. Mid upper arm circumference of less than 11.5 cm (115 mm) Select the correct answer using the code given below:

1, 2 and 3. ***1, 2 and 3*** - According to **WHO guidelines**, Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) in children aged 6-59 months is diagnosed by the presence of **ANY ONE** of these three criteria: - **Bilateral pitting oedema** (nutritional edema) - indicates kwashiorkor - **Weight-for-height Z-score (WHZ) < -3 SD** - indicates severe wasting - **Mid-Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC) < 11.5 cm (115 mm)** - indicates severe wasting - All three are **independent diagnostic criteria** for SAM, meaning any single criterion is sufficient for diagnosis - These criteria are used in **community screening**, **facility-based assessment**, and **nutritional rehabilitation programs** *1 and 2 only* - This incorrectly excludes **MUAC < 11.5 cm**, which is a valid and widely used WHO criterion for SAM diagnosis - MUAC is particularly useful for **community-based screening** as it's simple and doesn't require complex equipment *2 and 3 only* - This incorrectly excludes **bilateral pitting oedema**, which is a critical criterion for diagnosing **kwashiorkor** (edematous malnutrition) - Oedema can occur even when weight-for-height appears normal due to fluid retention masking tissue wasting *1 and 3 only* - This incorrectly excludes **weight-for-height Z-score < -3 SD**, which is the **gold standard anthropometric measure** for severe wasting - WHZ is essential for facility-based diagnosis and monitoring treatment response

Q: When should breastfeeding be initiated to an infant born via a normal delivery?

Within one hour of birth. ***Within one hour of birth*** - Initiating breastfeeding within the first hour of birth is recommended by global health organizations like WHO and UNICEF to optimize **breastfeeding success** and ensure the infant receives vital **colostrum**. - Early initiation helps establish **successful lactation** for the mother and provides the infant with immediate immunological benefits and nutritional support. - The guideline "within one hour" means breastfeeding should be initiated **as soon as possible** during this window, with earlier being preferable. *After 4 hours of birth* - Delaying breastfeeding beyond four hours can miss the critical window for establishing good feeding practices and the infant's **initial suckling reflex**. - This delay might lead to difficulties in latching and **lower rates of exclusive breastfeeding** in the long term. *Within half an hour* - Initiating breastfeeding within half an hour is **equally appropriate** and falls well within the WHO-recommended timeframe of one hour. - This option is not incorrect per se, but "within one hour" is the **standard guideline** most commonly cited in medical literature and policy documents. - Many institutions actually aim for breastfeeding within 30 minutes as a **best practice goal**. *Within 2–4 hours of birth* - This window is acceptable if there are initial medical concerns or delays, but it is **not the ideal time** for routine initiation of breastfeeding. - Waiting beyond one hour can reduce the infant's **alertness and readiness** to feed effectively, potentially leading to challenges.

Q: Compared to breast milk, colostrum has

higher protein content. ***higher protein content*** - Colostrum is rich in **immunoglobulins** (antibodies) and other **protective proteins**, which are crucial for the newborn's immune system. - These proteins, including **IgA**, **lactoferrin**, and **growth factors**, contribute to its higher protein concentration (2-3 times higher) compared to mature breast milk. *lower water content* - Colostrum does have **slightly lower water content** (~87%) compared to mature breast milk (~88-90%), making it more concentrated. - However, this difference is minimal and not the most clinically significant distinguishing feature compared to the marked protein difference. *higher carbohydrate content* - Colostrum has a **lower carbohydrate content** (primarily lactose) compared to mature breast milk. - Mature milk develops a higher lactose content to support the infant's increasing energy demands. *higher fat content* - **Mature breast milk** has a significantly **higher fat content** than colostrum. - The fat in mature milk provides the primary source of energy for the rapidly growing infant, which is less critical in early colostrum feeding.

Q: A child presents with poor growth and swelling at joints. A radiograph of his wrist is given below. Lab investigations reveal serum ALP levels of >1500. What is the possible diagnosis?

Rickets. ***Rickets*** - The combination of **poor growth**, **joint swelling**, and **elevated alkaline phosphatase (ALP)** in a child strongly indicates rickets, a condition of defective bone mineralization in growing bones. - The radiograph of the wrist would likely show typical findings like **widened growth plates**, **fraying** and **cupping of metaphyses**, and **decreased bone density**, which are characteristic of rickets. *Osteoporosis* - This condition is characterized by **reduced bone mass** and **fragile bones**, typically seen in older adults or due to secondary causes, and is not primarily linked to joint swelling in children. - While ALP levels can be normal or slightly elevated in osteoporosis, a level of >1500 is highly suggestive of active bone formation or breakdown, not typically seen in osteoporosis. *Osteomalacia* - This is defective bone mineralization in adults after growth plates have fused, leading to **bone softening** and **pain**, typically not presenting with joint swelling as a primary symptom. - While it also involves high ALP and bone demineralization, the clinical context of a *child* with growth issues points more specifically to rickets. *Osteogenesis imperfecta* - This is a group of **genetic disorders** characterized by **brittle bones** that fracture easily, often accompanied by **blue sclerae** and **hearing loss**, which are not mentioned in the presentation. - While bone fragility is present, it does not typically cause the described joint swelling or the significantly elevated ALP levels seen in this case.

Q: Dose of vitamin A for an 18 month old baby, with keratomalacia, weighing 10 kg is?

2,00,000 IU. **2,00,000 IU** - For children 12 months of age and older with **keratomalacia** due to vitamin A deficiency, the recommended dose is **200,000 IU** orally, given immediately. - This dose should be repeated the next day and again after four weeks to replenish stores and prevent recurrence. *1,00,000 IU* - This dose is typically recommended for infants **aged 6 to 11 months** with **clinical vitamin A deficiency**, including keratomalacia. - It is insufficient for an 18-month-old child with active keratomalacia. *50,000 IU* - This dose is usually given to infants **under 6 months** of age with clinical signs of **vitamin A deficiency**. - It is too low for an 18-month-old baby with keratomalacia. *5,00,000 IU* - This dose is excessively high and potentially toxic for an 18-month-old child. - Vitamin A toxicity can lead to adverse effects, including **increased intracranial pressure** and liver damage.

Q: Which is the most specific clinical feature for diagnosis of Kwashiorkor?

Easy pluckable hair. ***Easy pluckable hair*** - **Easy pluckable hair** is a highly specific clinical sign of Kwashiorkor, indicating severe **protein deficiency** affecting hair follicle integrity. - This symptom, often accompanied by changes in hair color and texture (e.g., **flag sign**), highlights the chronic lack of essential amino acids. *Edema* - **Edema** is a prominent feature of Kwashiorkor, resulting from low **oncotic pressure** due to **hypoalbuminemia**. - While characteristic, edema can also be seen in other conditions like **cardiac**, **renal**, or **hepatic failure**, making it less specific than hair changes. *Fatty liver* - **Fatty liver** (hepatic steatosis) is commonly observed in Kwashiorkor due to impaired synthesis and export of **VLDL** from the liver. - Although characteristic, fatty liver can also occur in **obesity**, **alcoholism**, and **diabetes**, reducing its specificity as a standalone diagnostic feature. *Low serum albumin* - **Low serum albumin** is a hallmark biochemical finding in Kwashiorkor, reflecting severe **protein malnutrition** and reduced hepatic synthesis. - While critical for diagnosis, hypoalbuminemia can also be caused by severe **liver disease**, **nephrotic syndrome**, or **malabsorption**, limiting its specificity for Kwashiorkor alone.

Q: For severe acute malnutrition in children (6-59 months), MAC will be less than

11.5 cm. ***11.5 cm*** - A **Mid-Upper Arm circumference (MUAC) below 11.5 cm** is a key diagnostic criterion for **severe acute malnutrition (SAM)** in children aged 6-59 months. - This measurement is a simple and effective screening tool in resource-limited settings to identify children at high risk of mortality due to malnutrition [1]. *13.5 cm* - A MUAC of 13.5 cm or greater is generally considered **nutritionally healthy** for children in this age group, indicating adequate muscle and fat reserves. - This measurement would typically rule out severe acute malnutrition and often even moderate malnutrition. *12.5 cm* - A MUAC between 11.5 cm and 12.5 cm is typically indicative of **moderate acute malnutrition (MAM)**, not severe acute malnutrition. - While concerning, it suggests a less critical nutritional status compared to a MUAC below 11.5 cm. *14.5 cm* - A MUAC of 14.5 cm or greater is well within the healthy range for children aged 6-59 months, indicating **good nutritional status**. - This measurement would suggest no signs of acute malnutrition.

Question 1

Which condition is characterized by the sign shown in the image?

Accepted Answer

Kwashiorkor

Answer

Marasmus

Answer

Pellagra

Answer

None of above

Question 2

Which of the following is an absolute contraindication to breastfeeding according to WHO guidelines?

Accepted Answer

Active, untreated maternal tuberculosis

Answer

Maternal diarrhoea

Answer

None of the above

Answer

1st 24 hours after Caesarean section

Question 3

In infants and toddlers, craniotabes is a sign related to the deficiency of

Accepted Answer

Vitamin D

Answer

Vitamin K

Answer

Vitamin A

Answer

Vitamin C

Question 4

Which of the following criteria are used for detecting a child with severe acute malnutrition according to WHO guidelines?

1. Bilateral pitting oedema
2. Weight for height Z-score less than minus three SD
3. Mid upper arm circumference of less than 11.5 cm (115 mm)

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Accepted Answer

1, 2 and 3

Answer

1 and 2 only

Answer

1 and 3 only

Answer

2 and 3 only

Question 5

When should breastfeeding be initiated to an infant born via a normal delivery?

Accepted Answer

Within one hour of birth

Answer

After 4 hours of birth

Answer

Within half an hour

Answer

Within 2–4 hours of birth

Question 6

Compared to breast milk, colostrum has

Accepted Answer

higher protein content

Answer

lower water content

Answer

higher carbohydrate content

Answer

higher fat content

Question 7

A child presents with poor growth and swelling at joints. A radiograph of his wrist is given below. Lab investigations reveal serum ALP levels of >1500. What is the possible diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Rickets

Answer

Osteoporosis

Answer

Osteomalacia

Answer

Osteogenesis imperfecta

Question 8

Dose of vitamin A for an 18 month old baby, with keratomalacia, weighing 10 kg is?

Accepted Answer

2,00,000 IU

Answer

1,00,000 IU

Answer

50,000 IU

Answer

5,00,000 IU

Question 9

Which is the most specific clinical feature for diagnosis of Kwashiorkor?

Accepted Answer

Easy pluckable hair

Answer

Edema

Answer

Fatty liver

Answer

Low serum albumin

Question 10

For severe acute malnutrition in children (6-59 months), MAC will be less than

Accepted Answer

11.5 cm

Answer

13.5 cm

Answer

12.5 cm

Answer

14.5 cm

Pediatric Nutrition — MCQs

Pediatric Nutrition — MCQs

On this page

Practice by Chapter

Want unlimited practice?