Which is the common nutritional problem associated with down syndrome?

OSSSC Nursing Officer-2023

Child Health Nursing (Pediatrics)

Easy

Appeared in: OSSSC Nursing Officer-2023

Explanation

Obesity is the most common nutritional issue in people with Down syndrome.
This is primarily due to a lower basal metabolic rate (BMR), meaning they burn fewer calories at rest.
Hypotonia (low muscle tone) contributes to reduced physical activity and energy expenditure.
A higher prevalence of associated conditions like hypothyroidism can also slow metabolism and promote weight gain.

Option B: Kwashiorkor is a form of severe malnutrition caused by a lack of protein, characterized by edema. This is not the typical nutritional profile for individuals with Down syndrome, who are more prone to being overweight.
Option C: Marasmus is severe malnutrition resulting from a deficiency in both calories and protein, leading to extreme wasting. This is a state of severe undernutrition, which is the opposite of the more common problem of obesity in Down syndrome.
Option D: Vitamin A deficiency is a specific micronutrient deficiency. While possible in any individual with a poor diet, it is not considered the most common or defining nutritional problem associated with Down syndrome compared to the high rates of obesity.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Knowing Nutritional Complications of Down Syndrome helps nurses interpret findings accurately and avoid errors in routine assessment, medication administration, and patient teaching.
Nurses play a crucial role in educating families of children with Down syndrome about nutritional risks. This includes counseling on appropriate portion sizes, encouraging healthy food choices, and promoting physical activity adapted to the child's abilities.
Regular monitoring of growth charts, specifically using Down syndrome-specific charts, is essential to identify trends towards obesity early.
Screening for comorbidities like hypothyroidism is a key nursing responsibility, as timely treatment can help manage weight.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core concepts in the question: 'common nutritional problem' and 'Down syndrome'.
Recall the key physiological characteristics of Down syndrome. The most relevant are hypotonia (low muscle tone) and a lower metabolic rate.
Analyze how these characteristics would impact nutritional status. Low muscle tone and a slow metabolism predispose an individual to gain weight easily because they use less energy.
Evaluate the options based on this analysis. Obesity is a condition of excess weight, which aligns with the physiological predispositions.
Contrast this with the other options. Kwashiorkor and Marasmus are severe undernutrition states, which is the opposite of the common trend. Vitamin A deficiency is a specific micronutrient issue, not an overall energy balance problem, making it less likely to be the 'most common' problem.
Conclude that obesity is the most logical answer.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Nutrition Monika Sharma 3e p. 345-347

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