Question:

Which of the following measures are useful indicators of malnutrition among young children?
(A). MUAC less than 12.5 cm
(B). Low height for weight
(C). MUAC 13.5 cm
(D). Chest circumference less than head circumference
(E). Low weight for height
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Show Hint

Remember the MUAC color tape ranges:
- Red (\( < 11.5\text{ cm}\)) \(\rightarrow\) Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM).
- Yellow (\(11.5 - 12.5\text{ cm}\)) \(\rightarrow\) Moderate Acute Malnutrition (MAM).
- Green (\( > 12.5\text{ cm}\)) \(\rightarrow\) Normal.
  • (A), (B) and (D) only.
  • (A), (D) and (E) only.
  • (B), (C) and (D) only.
  • (A), (D) and (E) only.
Show Solution
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Anthropometric measurements are objective, non-invasive indicators used to assess nutritional status and detect protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) in children.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:

Let us analyze each criterion:
1. Criterion (A) is True: A Mid-Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC) of less than \(12.5\text{ cm}\) in children aged 6-59 months indicates acute malnutrition (Severe Acute Malnutrition if \(< 11.5\text{ cm}\), Moderate Acute Malnutrition if between \(11.5\text{ and }12.5\text{ cm}\)).
2. Criterion (B) is False: "Height for weight" is not a standard anthropometric index.
3. Criterion (C) is False: A MUAC of \(13.5\text{ cm}\) indicates a well-nourished child.
4. Criterion (D) is True: In normal, well-nourished children, chest circumference becomes larger than head circumference after 1 year of age. If the chest circumference is smaller than the head circumference after 1 year, it indicates muscle wasting and loss of subcutaneous fat in the thoracic region due to malnutrition.
5. Criterion (E) is True: Low weight-for-height (wasting) is a key diagnostic indicator of acute malnutrition.
Therefore, the valid indicators of malnutrition are (A), (D), and (E).

Step 3: Final Answer

The correct option is (B) [and duplicate (D)].
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