As per Gomez classification, which of the following 'weight per age' comes under 'III degree malnutrition' when compared with the Harvard Growth Standard?

Appeared in: AIIMS Bhopal NO - 2018 (Shift-1st)

Explanation

The Gomez classification is a widely used system for grading protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) in children based on their weight-for-age.
It compares a child's actual weight to the 50th percentile (median) weight of a reference population (like the Harvard standards) for the same age.
Grade III, which represents severe malnutrition, is defined as a weight-for-age that is less than 60% of the standard reference weight.
This level of malnutrition is a life-threatening condition requiring immediate and intensive therapeutic feeding and medical care.

Option B: This range represents Grade II or moderate malnutrition, not severe.
Option C: This range corresponds to Grade I or mild malnutrition.
Option D: This range is considered within the normal limits of weight for age and does not indicate malnutrition.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Gomez classification of malnutrition based on weight-for-age as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses, particularly in community and pediatric settings, use the Gomez classification as a simple and effective screening tool for identifying malnutrition during growth monitoring.
A child classified with Grade III malnutrition requires immediate referral for specialized care, including therapeutic feeding and management of associated complications like infections and dehydration.
What if? If a child's weight-for-age is 65%, they would be classified with Grade II (moderate) malnutrition. The nursing action would be to provide intensive nutritional counseling to the caregiver, supplement the diet, and monitor the child closely for weight gain, rather than immediate hospitalization which is typically reserved for severe cases.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key terms in the question: 'Gomez classification', 'III degree malnutrition', and 'weight per age'.
This is a factual recall question that requires knowledge of a specific nutritional classification system.
Recall the different grades of malnutrition according to Gomez.
Grade I is mild (75-89%).
Grade II is moderate (60-74%).
Grade III is severe (<60%).

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Gomez classification of malnutrition based on weight-for-age.
Stem keywords: Gomez classification, weight per age, III degree malnutrition, Harvard Growth Standard
Lead-in keywords: which of the following
Negative lead-in flag: false

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E6 Comprehensive Textbook of Community Health NursingShyamala D part 1 (pp 26-389 of 389) p. 309-311

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Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.