MALNUTRITION Flashcards
Malnurition is most commonly seen in……
Children less than 5 years
Severe protein energy malnutrition presents as………
Marasmus
Marasmic Kwashiorkor
Kwashiorkor
Ways of preventing malnutrition in young children
Birth-spacing
Exclusive breastfeeding
for up to 6 months, followed by introduction of a weaning diet at 6 months and continuation with complimentary foods for up to 2 years
Encouraging a balanced diet for the family
Nutrition education in schools and villages
Causes of malnutrition
Poverty
Inadequate quality and/or quantity of food intake
Social neglect
Repeated or chronic infections
Repeated diarhoeal illness
Worm infestations
HIV, pulmonary tuberculosis, measles, pertussis
Chronic illness and cancers
Alcoholism (adults)
Symptoms of malnutrition include
Poor weight gain
Weight loss (drop or flattening in weight on the child health record)
Body swelling (kwashiorkor)
Child plays less because of lack of energy
Disinterest in food and surroundings
Signs of marasmus
Thin (reduced muscle bulk)
Prominent bones
Hanging skin folds especially over the buttocks
Unusually alert
Looks like an old man
Signs of kwashiorkor
Thin and wasted arms
Puffy face and legs due to oedema
Brownish or reddish hair
Flaky skin rash especially on the legs
Sores on the oedematous parts of the body in severe cases
Miserable and disinterested appearance
Disinterest in food
Anthropometric measurements
Anthropometric measurements in moderate acute malnutrition
Mid Upper Arm Circumference: 11.5 - < 12.5 cm
Weight for Age: < - 2 Z - Score but > - 3 Z Score
Weight for Height: < - 2 Z - Score but > - 3 Z Score
Anthropometric measurements in severe acute malnutrition
Mid Upper Arm Circumference: < 11.5 cm (Age 6-59 months)
Weight for Age: < - 3 Z - Score
Weight for Height: < - 3 Z - Score
Investigations in malnutrition
FBC
Urea and electrolytes
Serum albumin
Urine culture and sensitivity
Blood culture and sensitivity
Chest X-ray
HIV testing
Gastric lavage for acid fast bacilli
Screen for common infections
Treatment objectives in malnutrition
To identify and treat associated infections and complications
To correct fluid and electrolyte imbalance and other complications
To correct the nutritional deficiency including Vitamin A
To prevent recurrence by educating caregivers
To adequately manage chronic illnesses
Outpatient care for malnutrition is preferred under which circumstances….
Malnourished children who have appetite, and do not have any overt medical condition, which requires admission,
should be managed as outpatients
In-patient care for malnutrition is preferred for….
severely malnourished children who have medical conditions requiring inpatient care
Stabilisation phase in managing malnutrition involves…………
Frequent feeding with F75
Introduce Ready-To-Use Therapeutic Food - RUTF
Progressively return to acceptable balanced family meals
Participation of parents and caregivers in nutrition education
Pharmacological treatment approaches in malnutrition
Vitamin A supplementation
Treatment of underlying infection
Immunisation
Treatment of worm infestations
