Pediatric Nutrition Evaluation Flashcards

Which anthropometric index is most sensitive for detecting acute malnutrition in children under 5 years?

Answer: Weight-for-height z-score

Weight-for-height z-score reflects current nutritional status and is most sensitive for acute (wasting) malnutrition.

When calculating estimated energy needs for a hospitalized pediatric patient using the Schofield equation, what variable is NOT included?

Answer: Serum albumin

The Schofield equation uses weight, height, and age to estimate basal metabolic rate; serum albumin is a biochemical marker, not an equation variable.

A 3-year-old presents with pitting edema, adequate weight-for-height, and sparse reddish hair. Which condition best explains these findings?

Answer: Kwashiorkor

Kwashiorkor is characterized by edema, skin and hair changes, and often preserved or elevated weight due to fluid retention.

Which tool is validated specifically to screen nutritional risk in hospitalized pediatric patients?

Answer: STAMP

STAMP (Screening Tool for the Assessment of Malnutrition in Paediatrics) is validated for hospitalized children aged 2-17 years.

When evaluating dietary recall data in a school-age child, which limitation is most significant?

Answer: Reliance on memory accuracy

Dietary recall accuracy depends heavily on the child's or caregiver's ability to remember portion sizes and foods consumed.

A registered dietitian notices a 9-month-old's length has dropped from the 50th to the 10th percentile over 3 months. The most appropriate next step is to:

Answer: Initiate comprehensive nutrition and medical evaluation

A two-major-percentile drop in length over 3 months warrants comprehensive evaluation to identify underlying medical or nutritional causes.

Which biochemical marker is most useful for assessing long-term protein-energy status in pediatric patients?

Answer: Serum albumin

Serum albumin, with its ~20-day half-life, reflects longer-term protein status compared to shorter-half-life markers like prealbumin.