Common Nutritional Disorders in Children: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Question 1

In a child with a known food allergy, what is the first-line treatment for acute anaphylaxis?

Accepted Answer

Intramuscular epinephrine

Answer

Oral antihistamines

Answer

Intravenous fluids

Answer

Oxygen therapy

Question 2

Identify the classic clinical presentation of kwashiorkor, a severe form of protein-energy malnutrition.

Accepted Answer

Edema, stunted growth, and kwashiorkor rash

Answer

Muscle wasting, irritability, and marasmus

Answer

Angular stomatitis, glossitis, and night blindness

Answer

Hair loss, hyperpigmentation, and enlarged liver

Question 3

How do socioeconomic factors and cultural beliefs influence the prevalence of nutritional disorders in children?

Accepted Answer

Cultural beliefs can promote healthy eating habits and reduce the risk of nutritional disorders.

Answer

Socioeconomic factors and cultural beliefs have no impact on nutritional disorders.

Answer

Nutritional disorders are solely caused by individual choices and behaviors.

Answer

Socioeconomic factors have no bearing on the nutritional well-being of children.

Question 4

Which of the following is a hallmark of marasmus?

Accepted Answer

Severe wasting

Answer

Edema

Answer

Ascites

Answer

Hyperpigmentation

Question 5

A child with a body mass index (BMI) at the 85th percentile for age and gender is classified as:

Accepted Answer

Overweight

Answer

Underweight

Answer

Normal weight

Answer

Obese

Question 6

Which of the following is NOT a common trigger of food allergies in children?

Accepted Answer

Spinach

Answer

Milk

Answer

Eggs

Answer

Soy

Question 7

Which laboratory test is used to evaluate iron deficiency anemia?

Accepted Answer

Ferritin

Answer

Hemoglobin

Answer

Hematocrit

Answer

Reticulocyte count

Question 8

The primary treatment for severe kwashiorkor involves:

Accepted Answer

High-calorie, high-protein diet

Answer

Oral rehydration therapy

Answer

Intravenous fluids

Answer

Vitamin A supplementation

Question 9

Which of the following factors is NOT associated with the development of obesity in children?

Accepted Answer

High socioeconomic status

Answer

Genetic predisposition

Answer

Unhealthy dietary patterns

Answer

Physical inactivity

Question 10

Which of the following is the most common cause of malnutrition in children under 2 years of age in the United States?

Accepted Answer

Insufficient energy intake

Answer

Lack of access to clean water

Answer

Genetic disorders

Answer

Food allergies

Question 11

Obesity in children is primarily attributed to:

Accepted Answer

Genetics and environmental factors

Answer

Environmental factors alone

Answer

Genetics alone

Answer

Nutritional deficiencies

Question 12

Which of the following is NOT a typical clinical manifestation of malnutrition in children?

Accepted Answer

Normal immune function

Answer

Growth retardation

Answer

Impaired cognitive development

Answer

Skin rash

Question 13

In the majority of children, what is the primary contributing factor to obesity?

Accepted Answer

Excessive food consumption

Answer

Genetic predisposition

Answer

Physical inactivity

Answer

Metabolic abnormalities

Question 14

A 5-year-old child experiences anaphylaxis after eating peanuts. Which type of food allergy is this child most likely to have?

Accepted Answer

IgE-mediated

Answer

Non-IgE-mediated

Answer

Contact

Answer

Mixed

Question 15

A 1-year-old child with poor growth is brought to the clinic. Physical examination reveals growth parameters below the 5th percentile. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step?

Accepted Answer

Refer for further evaluation and diagnostic testing

Answer

Start nutritional supplements

Answer

Increase caloric intake

Answer

Monitor growth closely

Question 16

A 6-month-old infant is diagnosed with vitamin D deficiency. Which of the following is the most likely clinical manifestation?

Accepted Answer

Rickets

Answer

Scurvy

Answer

Beriberi

Answer

Pellagra

Question 17

Which of the following is a recommended treatment for celiac disease?

Accepted Answer

Gluten-free diet

Answer

Steroid therapy

Answer

Anti-inflammatory medication

Answer

Immunotherapy

Question 18

Why are anthropometric measurements essential in assessing and monitoring the nutritional status of children?

Accepted Answer

They provide a comprehensive evaluation of body composition, growth, and development.

Answer

They are solely used to diagnose severe malnutrition.

Answer

They can fully replace a thorough medical history and physical examination.

Answer

They are not useful in assessing the nutritional status of children with chronic conditions.

Question 19

Poverty is the most prevalent global cause of malnutrition in children. True or False?

Accepted Answer

True

Answer

False

Question 20

Which clinical sign is most commonly associated with severe malnutrition in children?

Accepted Answer

Wasting and stunting

Answer

Diarrhea

Answer

Overweight and obesity

Answer

Skin rashes

Question 21

Nutritional rehabilitation is a crucial component in the management of malnutrition. True or False?

Accepted Answer

True

Answer

False

Question 22

A significant factor contributing to the development of obesity in children is:

Accepted Answer

Unhealthy dietary habits

Answer

Allergies

Answer

Genetic predisposition

Answer

Exposure to infections

Question 23

Type 2 diabetes is a common complication of obesity in children. True or False?

Accepted Answer

True

Answer

False

Question 24

Which food group is a cornerstone of a healthy diet for children?

Accepted Answer

Fruits and vegetables

Answer

High-fat meats

Answer

Processed foods

Answer

Sugary drinks

Question 25

Milk is one of the most common food allergens among children. True or False?

Accepted Answer

True

Answer

False

Question 26

Anaphylaxis is a potential life-threatening reaction associated with food allergies. True or False?

Accepted Answer

True

Answer

False

Question 27

Dietary avoidance is a key element in managing food allergies in children. True or False?

Accepted Answer

True

Answer

False

Question 28

Untreated food allergies can potentially lead to death. True or False?

Accepted Answer

True

Answer

False

Question 29

Which of the following is a typical clinical sign of malnutrition in children?

Accepted Answer

Wasting, with loss of muscle and fat

Answer

Increased appetite and energy levels

Answer

Overweight or obesity

Answer

Normal growth and development

Question 30

What is the primary reason for malnutrition in children worldwide?

Accepted Answer

Economic disparities and limited access to food

Answer

Genetic predispositions

Answer

Prevalence of infectious diseases

Answer

Lack of parental education

Question 31

A critical risk factor for malnutrition in children is:

Accepted Answer

Poverty and limited access to nutritious food

Answer

Advanced age

Answer

Genetic endowment

Answer

Optimal hygiene practices

Question 32

Which of the following physical signs is a hallmark of kwashiorkor?

Accepted Answer

Edema, or fluid retention

Answer

Delayed growth and development

Answer

Marasmus

Answer

Vitamin A deficiency symptoms

Question 33

A dietary deficiency that can result in anemia in children is:

Accepted Answer

Iron deficiency

Answer

Vitamin C deficiency

Answer

Vitamin D deficiency

Answer

Calcium deficiency

Question 34

A frequent complication associated with childhood obesity is:

Accepted Answer

Increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes

Answer

Phenylketonuria

Answer

Down syndrome

Answer

Cystic fibrosis

Question 35

For children with food allergies, a common dietary recommendation includes:

Accepted Answer

Elimination of the specific allergen(s) from their diet

Answer

Reducing sodium intake

Answer

Boosting protein intake

Answer

Increasing fiber consumption

Question 36

A potential trigger for the development of food allergies in infants might be:

Accepted Answer

Introducing solid foods prematurely

Answer

Exposure to family pets

Answer

Breastfeeding

Answer

Taking over-the-counter medications

Question 37

An integral nutritional measure that can contribute to preventing childhood obesity is:

Accepted Answer

Promoting the adoption of healthy eating behaviors

Answer

Relying solely on medication

Answer

Focusing exclusively on physical activity

Answer

Considering surgical intervention

Question 38

A common symptom of vitamin A deficiency in children is:

Accepted Answer

Night blindness, or difficulty seeing in dim light

Answer

Osteoporosis

Answer

Scurvy

Answer

Rickets

Question 39

Which of the following dietary recommendations is crucial for managing rickets in children?

Accepted Answer

High intake of vitamin D and calcium

Answer

Limited fat consumption

Answer

Gluten-free diet

Answer

Increased protein intake

Question 40

Identify the characteristic that is NOT typically associated with kwashiorkor:

Accepted Answer

Normal growth and development

Answer

Enlarged liver

Answer

Edema

Answer

Moon-shaped face

Question 41

Which of the following is the primary factor contributing to nutritional rickets?

Accepted Answer

Insufficient vitamin D intake

Answer

Inadequate phosphorus

Answer

Extended sunlight exposure

Answer

Low calcium levels

Question 42

In managing food allergies, which dietary modification is essential?

Accepted Answer

Complete avoidance of the allergenic substance

Answer

Vitamin supplementation

Answer

Increased protein intake

Answer

Reduced fat intake

Question 43

Identify a potential cause of calcium deficiency in children:

Accepted Answer

Vitamin D insufficiency

Answer

High calcium intake

Answer

Excessive exposure to sunlight

Answer

Allergy to cow's milk

Question 44

Obesity in children can be influenced by various factors. Which of the following is a known risk factor?

Accepted Answer

Sedentary lifestyle

Answer

Exclusive breastfeeding

Answer

High birth weight

Answer

Maternal smoking during pregnancy

Question 45

Food intolerance often presents with certain symptoms. Which of the following is a common manifestation?

Accepted Answer

Abdominal discomfort

Answer

Wheezing

Answer

Eye inflammation (conjunctivitis)

Answer

Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)

Question 46

Which of the following is a defining characteristic of Marasmus, a severe form of malnutrition?

Accepted Answer

Extreme weight loss and muscle wasting

Answer

Edema (swelling) in the legs and feet

Answer

Round, full face (moon face)

Answer

Enlarged liver and spleen (hepatosplenomegaly)

Question 47

A child presents with failure to thrive, edema, and an enlarged liver (hepatomegaly).  Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Kwashiorkor

Answer

Marasmus (severe energy deficiency)

Answer

Scurvy (vitamin C deficiency)

Answer

Rickets (vitamin D deficiency)

Question 48

A child with a history of eczema experiences hives and vomiting after eating peanuts. Which type of food allergy is this child most likely experiencing?

Accepted Answer

IgE-mediated allergy

Answer

Cell-mediated allergy

Answer

Delayed-onset food allergy

Answer

Mixed food allergy (involving both IgE and cell-mediated components)

Question 49

What is the recommended treatment for iron-deficiency anemia in children?

Accepted Answer

Oral iron supplementation

Answer

Blood transfusion (used in cases of severe anemia and rapid blood loss)

Answer

Erythropoietin injections (stimulate red blood cell production but not a primary treatment for iron deficiency)

Answer

Intravenous iron therapy (usually reserved for severe cases or poor oral absorption)

Question 50

A child presents with delayed growth and development, muscle weakness, and difficulty with balance (ataxia). Which of the following vitamin deficiencies is most likely responsible?

Accepted Answer

Vitamin B12 deficiency

Answer

Vitamin A deficiency (primarily affects vision and immune function)

Answer

Vitamin K deficiency (primarily affects blood clotting)

Answer

Vitamin D deficiency (primarily affects bone health)

Question 51

Which of the following is a common symptom of rickets, a condition caused by vitamin D deficiency?

Accepted Answer

Bone pain

Answer

Vomiting

Answer

Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)

Answer

Constipation

Question 52

A child with celiac disease is placed on a gluten-free diet. What is the most important reason for strictly adhering to this diet?

Accepted Answer

To prevent long-term damage to the small intestine and malnutrition

Answer

To prevent gastrointestinal symptoms (while gluten triggers symptoms, the long-term damage is the main concern)

Answer

To prevent developmental delays (while malnutrition can cause delays, the main focus is intestinal health)

Answer

To prevent autoimmune disorders (while gluten can trigger some autoimmune issues, it's not the primary reason for strict adherence)

Question 53

Which of the following is a characteristic of obesity-related hypertension (high blood pressure)?

Accepted Answer

It is often sensitive to salt intake, meaning that reducing salt can help lower blood pressure

Answer

It is typically severe and requires immediate medical attention (while it can be severe, it often progresses gradually)

Answer

It is usually transient (temporary) and resolves on its own (obesity-related hypertension is often persistent)

Answer

It is associated with increased insulin sensitivity (obesity is linked to insulin resistance)

Question 54

A child with a family history of breast cancer develops anorexia nervosa. What is the most significant nutritional concern in this patient?

Accepted Answer

Osteopenia (low bone density) due to inadequate calcium and vitamin D intake

Answer

Amenorrhea (absence of menstruation) (while a symptom, osteopenia is a more direct consequence)

Answer

Electrolyte imbalance (while a risk, osteopenia is a more significant long-term consequence)

Answer

Growth retardation (while a concern, osteopenia is a more immediate risk)

Question 55

Which of the following is a recommended screening test for vitamin D deficiency?

Accepted Answer

Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D level (measures the active form of vitamin D in the blood)

Answer

Complete blood count (measures red blood cell count, not vitamin D)

Answer

Urinalysis (analyzes urine, not relevant for vitamin D status)

Answer

Thyroid function tests (evaluate thyroid hormone levels, not vitamin D)