Consider the following statements and select the correct answer from the code given below:

Assertion (A): In nutritional assessment, biochemical tests are useful in early detection of nutritional deficiency.

Reason (R): Such laboratory tests confirm the subclinical form.

1. A

   Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is correct explanation of (A).

2. B

   (A) is true but (R) is false.

3. C

   (A) is false but (R) is true.

4. D

   Both (A) and (R) are false.

Appeared in: UPPSC 2017

Explanation

• Assertion (A) is true. Biochemical tests are highly sensitive and provide the earliest objective signs of nutritional deficiencies, often before any symptoms are visible or measurable by other means.
• Reason (R) is also true. These laboratory tests measure nutrient levels and their byproducts in body fluids, which allows for the identification of the subclinical (or preclinical) stage of a deficiency.
• The reason correctly explains the assertion. The ability of biochemical tests to detect a deficiency in its subclinical state is precisely what makes them the most effective method for early detection.

Why Other Options Were Wrong

• Option B: This option is incorrect because Reason (R) is true. Laboratory tests are the primary method for confirming subclinical forms of nutritional deficiencies.
• Option C: This option is incorrect because Assertion (A) is true. Biochemical tests are a cornerstone of early nutritional assessment.
• Option D: This option is incorrect because both the Assertion and the Reason are factually true statements.

Related Visual

Clinical Relevance

• Nursing practice connection: Knowing Relationship between biochemical tests and early detection of nutritional deficiencies helps nurses interpret findings accurately and avoid errors in routine assessment, medication administration, and patient teaching.
• In nursing practice, biochemical tests are vital for screening at-risk populations (e.g., pregnant women, elderly, patients with malabsorption) to initiate timely nutritional support before deficiencies lead to clinical disease.
• These tests help differentiate between nutritional and non-nutritional causes of symptoms like fatigue or poor wound healing.
• What if? If a patient shows normal weight (anthropometry) and no physical signs (clinical exam) but reports chronic fatigue, biochemical tests like serum ferritin or vitamin B12 levels are essential. They can uncover a subclinical deficiency causing the symptoms, which would otherwise be missed.

How to Approach the Question

• First, evaluate Assertion (A) independently. Is it a factually correct statement? Yes, biochemical tests are fundamental for early detection in nutrition.
• Second, evaluate Reason (R) independently. Is it a factually correct statement? Yes, lab tests are the method used to confirm subclinical conditions.
• Third, if both statements are true, assess the link between them. Does the Reason (R) logically and correctly explain why the Assertion (A) is true? Yes, detecting the subclinical form is the mechanism for early detection.
• Finally, select the option that aligns with your evaluation: Both are true, and R is the correct explanation for A.

Concept Tested & Keywords

• Concept Tested: Relationship between biochemical tests and early detection of nutritional deficiencies.
• Stem keywords: nutritional assessment, biochemical tests, early detection, nutritional deficiency, subclinical form
• Lead-in keywords: Assertion (A), Reason (R), correct answer
• Negative lead-in flag: false

Question ID

QOPBqbKcVIc2cen_NTto0g

Copy ID

Reference Book

E6 Parks TextBook of Preventive & Social Medicine part 2 — Subpart A (pp 1-232 of 464) pp. 185-187, 186-188

E6 textbook of Applied Biochemistry and Nutrition & DieteticsHarbans Lal (pp 26-464 of 479) p. 412-414