Nutrition: child growth: practice question

A PSM question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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PSM · Nutrition: child growth

Sample item

Which index is most useful for identifying acute malnutrition or wasting in children?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

B. Weight-for-height

Weight-for-height reflects low weight relative to current height and is used to identify wasting, an indicator of acute malnutrition. Height-for-age reflects chronic undernutrition or stunting.

Option by option

  • A. Head circumference alone

    Head circumference is important in infancy but is not the standard wasting index.

  • B. Weight-for-height (correct)

    Correct. Low weight-for-height identifies wasting.

  • C. Birth order

    Birth order does not measure nutritional status.

  • D. Height-for-age

    Height-for-age identifies stunting from chronic undernutrition.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

More PSM questions

Questions about this PSM question

What is the answer to this PSM question?

The best answer is B, Weight-for-height. Weight-for-height reflects low weight relative to current height and is used to identify wasting, an indicator of acute malnutrition.

Why is "Head circumference alone" not the answer?

Head circumference is important in infancy but is not the standard wasting index.

Why is "Birth order" not the answer?

Birth order does not measure nutritional status.

Why is "Height-for-age" not the answer?

Height-for-age identifies stunting from chronic undernutrition.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Nutrition: child growth in PSM. Height-for-age reflects chronic undernutrition or stunting.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Nutrition: child growth?

Practise biostatistics with small calculations until sensitivity, predictive values and risk measures are automatic. Then use the flashcards and the other PSM questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.