Protein-Energy Malnutrition

Question 1

Which one of the following statements about kwashiorkor is incorrect?
A. Acute nutritional resuscitation requires high dose glucose infusion
B. Hypoalbuminemia nad edema are common
C. Kwashiokor is caused by overall lack of dietary energy and protein, but the protein deprivation exceeds taht of energy deficiency
D. Plasma proteins are often markedly decreased
E. The carbohydrate intake results in high insulin level, preventing protein mobilization from skeletal muscles.

Answer 1

C. Kwashiokor is caused by overall lack of dietary energy and protein, but the protein deprivation exceeds taht of energy deficiency

Question 2

One clinical feature that distinguishes kwashiokor from marasmus is the presence of:
A. coexistence of other nutritional deficiencies
B. edema
C. growth failure
D. low birth weight
E. susceptibility to infection

Answer 2

B. edema

Clinical pearl: In contrast to kwashiorkor, children with marasmus are typically very hungry!

Question 3

The Refeeding syndrome describes potentially life-threatening aberrant lab values brought about by the rapid refeeding of a chronically malnourished individual. Which of hte following best describes the abnormal laboratory values?
A. Hyperkalemia
B. Hyperphosphatemia, hypermagnesemia
C. Hypertriglyceridemia, hyperglycemia
D. Hypocalcemia, hyponatremia
E. Hypokalemia, hypophosphatemia, hypomagnesemia

Answer 3

E. Hypokalemia, hypophosphatemia, hypomagnesemia

Question 4

Lipids should supply about what percentage of energy in an adult’s parental nutrition regimen?
A. 10%
B. 15%
C. 30%
D. 40%
E. 50%

Answer 4

C. 30%

Question 5

You are part of a relief team in a region afflicted with famine and marasmus. Which of the following sources of protein would be best for your patients suffering from marasmus?
A. Cereal
B. Egg white
C. Legumes
D. Milk
E. Soy

Answer 5

B. Egg white