Malnutrition

Question 1

What are the causes of Malnutrition?

Answer 1

1. Decreased food consumption
2. illness resulting in Bilateral pitting edema
3. Sudden weight loss

Question 2

Describe the background and Pathophysiology

Answer 2

1. Malnutrition can be caused by decreased food consumption and/or illness resulting in bilateral pitting pedal edema and/or sudden weight loss.
2. There are approximately 40 known nutrients, classified into Type 1 (functional) nutrients and Type 2 (growth) nutrients.
3. Type 1 nutrients are Iron, iodine, vitamin A and vitamin C
4. Type 1 nutrient deficiency > Children’s bodies continue to grow using up the stored nutrients, eventually leading to TISSUE DEPLETION, METABOLIC DYSFUNCTION, and consequent ill-health.
5. Type 2 nutrients are Pottasium, magnesium, selenium, zinc, and amino acids.
6. Type 2 nutrient deficiency > BODY STOPS GROWING and repairing tissue in order to conserve nutrients and the BODY BREAKS DOWN IT’S OWN TISSUE to make the nutrients available.

Question 3

Pathophysiology of SAM

Answer 3

1. Heart: smaller, weaker and cannot tolerate excess fluid in the circulation.
2. Kidneys: Cannot get rid of excess fluid or sodium.
3. Liver: less able to make glucose, cannot deal with excess protein.
4. Gut: Thinner, weaker, less enzymes are produced, and less surface for absorbing.

5 Cells: damaged, lose potassium and accumulate sodium.

6. Immune system: damaged and weakened, puts child at risk of cross infection: unable to produce usual signs of infection, like fever.