Which disease is caused by protein deficiency?

Appeared in: Bihar CHO - 2021

Explanation

Kwashiorkor is a specific form of severe acute malnutrition (SAM).
It is primarily caused by a diet that is severely deficient in protein, even if the total calorie intake is sufficient.
The classic scenario is a child being weaned from protein-rich breast milk to a high-carbohydrate, low-protein diet like gruel or rice water.
The defining clinical sign is generalized edema (swelling), particularly in the lower legs and feet, and a distended abdomen (ascites).

Option B: Marasmus is caused by a severe deficiency of both energy (calories) and protein, not just protein alone. It is a state of total starvation.
Option C: 'Under Nourished' is a broad, non-specific term describing a state of poor nutrition. It is not a distinct disease entity like Kwashiorkor or Marasmus.
Option D: Rickets is a disease of bone development caused by a deficiency of Vitamin D, calcium, or phosphate, not protein.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Knowing Nutritional Deficiency Diseases helps nurses interpret findings accurately and avoid errors in routine assessment, medication administration, and patient teaching.
Nurses play a crucial role in identifying early signs of malnutrition in children during community health visits and hospital check-ups. Recognizing the difference between Kwashiorkor and Marasmus is vital for initiating the correct nutritional rehabilitation.
Patient education is key. Nurses must educate mothers on the importance of providing protein-rich foods (like pulses, eggs, and milk products) after weaning to prevent Kwashiorkor.
In India, with a high prevalence of PEM, Anganwadi workers and community health nurses are at the forefront of screening programs using Mid-Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC) tapes and weight-for-height charts.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core concept in the question stem: 'protein deficiency'.
Next, analyze the options provided. Your goal is to find the disease specifically linked to a lack of protein.
Recall or look up the definitions of each option. Kwashiorkor is defined by protein deficiency. Marasmus is defined by overall calorie and protein deficiency.
Eliminate 'Under Nourished' as it's a general state, not a specific disease.
Eliminate 'Rickets' as it's related to Vitamin D, not protein.
Compare Kwashiorkor and Marasmus. Since the question specifically asks for 'protein deficiency', Kwashiorkor is the most precise answer, as Marasmus is a broader energy deficiency.

Concept Tested & Keywords

QXezdEuFc7pjOY8Rj8jft0

E6 Pathology- ROBBINS & COTRAN PATHOLOGIC BASIS OF DISEASE 10TH Ed p. 441-443

E6 textbook of Applied Biochemistry and Nutrition & DieteticsHarbans Lal (pp 26-464 of 479) p. 355-357

Practise the full Bihar CHO - 2021

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