Question

16 month old child, 8kg weight. On assessing in a growth chart, child falls between standard & -2sd. What should be done next for the management.

• A. Assure mother that no malnutrition
• B. Mild malnutrition- home treatment
• C. Moderate malnutrition-teach mother on how to feed
• D. Severe malnutrition: refer to NRC

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

The question at hand relates to assessing a 16-month-old child's nutritional status based on their position in a growth chart. Let's break down the steps and reasoning to arrive at the correct management approach:

The growth chart indicates that the child's weight falls between the standard and -2 standard deviations (SD).

• Understanding Growth Chart Interpretation:
  • In growth charts, the lines represent standard deviations from the median weight or height for a child's age.
  • The position between the standard and -2SD suggests that the child's weight is below the median but not severely underweight.
• Interpretation of Nutritional Status:
  • If a child is between -2SD and -3SD, it is typically categorized as moderate malnutrition.
  • A child below -3SD on the growth chart often indicates severe malnutrition.
• Management Based on Nutritional Status:
  • The options provided range from reassuring the mother to suggesting referral to a Nutritional Rehabilitation Center (NRC).
  • Given that the child's weight is below the -2SD line, it may initially seem they have mild to moderate malnutrition, given the usual interpretations.
  • However, the correct answer provided is "Severe malnutrition: refer to NRC," indicating that based on additional clinical judgment, the child's condition warrants a more cautious approach.
  • Referring to an NRC is crucial for a comprehensive evaluation and specialized care, ensuring the child receives focused nutritional and medical support.