What is called 'stunting' in malnutrition?

Appeared in: RIMS Nursing Officer - 2022

Explanation

Stunting is defined as low height-for-age, specifically a height-for-age Z-score that is at least two standard deviations (-2SD) below the median for the WHO Child Growth Standards.
It is an indicator of linear growth retardation, which results from a failure to receive adequate nutrition over a long period or from recurrent infections.
Stunting reflects chronic or past malnutrition and is associated with long-term factors like poverty, poor maternal health, and inappropriate feeding practices.

Option B: Low weight for height is the definition of 'wasting'.
Option C: Low weight for age is the definition of being 'underweight'.
Option D: Overweight is a form of malnutrition characterized by excessive weight for height, not a deficiency.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Definitions of malnutrition indicators as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses, especially in community and pediatric settings, routinely perform anthropometric measurements (height, weight, mid-upper arm circumference) to screen for malnutrition.
Identifying a stunted child is a critical finding that prompts further investigation into their long-term nutritional history, feeding practices, and potential underlying chronic illnesses.
Early identification and intervention can help mitigate the long-term consequences of stunting, which include impaired cognitive development and reduced physical capacity.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key term in the question, which is 'stunting'.
This is a factual recall question that requires knowing the specific definition of a key nutritional term.
Recall the three main anthropometric indicators of undernutrition: stunting, wasting, and underweight.
Associate 'stunting' with height and chronic malnutrition. Think 'stunted growth' refers to not growing tall enough.
Associate 'wasting' with weight relative to height and acute malnutrition. Think 'wasting away' refers to losing weight rapidly.
Evaluate the options based on these definitions. 'Low height for age' directly matches the definition of stunting.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Parks TextBook of Preventive & Social Medicine part 2 — Subpart A (pp 1-232 of 464) p. 177-179

E6 Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics(2024) — Volume 1 p. 468-470

Practise the full RIMS Nursing Officer - 2022

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