Which of the following supplementation is necessary to prevent Kwashiorkor?

Appeared in: PGICH Noida NO-2025

Explanation

Kwashiorkor is a form of severe acute malnutrition (SAM) caused by a diet that is low in protein but adequate in calories.
The term is derived from a Ga language in Ghana, meaning 'the sickness the baby gets when the new baby comes,' referring to when a child is weaned from protein-rich breast milk to a high-carbohydrate, low-protein diet.
The characteristic edema is due to hypoalbuminemia (low protein in the blood), which reduces plasma oncotic pressure, causing fluid to shift into the interstitial spaces.
Therefore, protein supplementation is the specific and necessary intervention to prevent and treat Kwashiorkor.

Option A: Vitamin D deficiency does not cause Kwashiorkor. It impairs calcium absorption and bone mineralization.
Option B: Vitamin C deficiency is unrelated to Kwashiorkor. It affects collagen synthesis and immune function.
Option D: Calcium is a mineral essential for bones and teeth, but its deficiency does not cause the protein-specific symptoms of Kwashiorkor.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Nutritional Deficiencies and Kwashiorkor as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses play a critical role in nutritional assessment, especially in pediatric and community health settings, to identify children at risk for malnutrition.
Patient education is vital. Nurses must educate mothers on appropriate weaning foods that are rich in protein, especially in resource-limited settings where diets may be predominantly carbohydrate-based.
During treatment, nurses must monitor for refeeding syndrome, a potentially fatal complication that can occur when a severely malnourished person is refed too quickly. This involves close monitoring of electrolytes like phosphate, potassium, and magnesium.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key term in the question: 'Kwashiorkor'.
Recall the definition of Kwashiorkor. It is a specific type of severe malnutrition.
Focus on the primary cause. Kwashiorkor is distinctly caused by a deficiency in a specific macronutrient despite adequate energy intake.
Evaluate each option. Ask yourself, 'What condition does a deficiency of this nutrient cause?'
Match the primary cause of Kwashiorkor (protein deficiency) with the correct option.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Pathology- ROBBINS & COTRAN PATHOLOGIC BASIS OF DISEASE 10TH Ed p. 449-451

Practise the full PGICH Noida NO-2025

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