Which of the following is a characteristic of marasmus in children?
A)It leads to inability to maintain body temperature.
B)It promotes hyperactivity and excessive crying for food.
C)It impairs brain development mainly from ages 2-5 years old.
D)It leads to severe edema of the abdomen but insufficient water retention by the brain.
E)It is rare even in very impoverished nations due to UN programs combating hunger.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Marasmus is a severe form of protein-energy malnutrition, which means it leads to wasting of body tissues. The inability to maintain body temperature is a characteristic of marasmus due to the loss of insulating fat and muscle tissues.

Answer: B 
 Marasmus is characterized by severe wasting of body tissues, leading to a decrease in physical activity and metabolism. Therefore, hyperactivity and excessive crying for food are not characteristic of marasmus.

Answer: C 
 Marasmus affects both physical and cognitive development, especially during the first two years of life. Therefore, impaired brain development is a characteristic of marasmus, but not mainly from ages 2-5 years old.

Answer: D 
 Severe edema of the abdomen is a characteristic of kwashiorkor, not marasmus. Marasmus is characterized by severe wasting of body tissues, leading to insufficient water retention by the body including the brain, and dry skin.

Answer: E 
 Marasmus is still prevalent in many impoverished countries, and it is not rare. UN programs and other interventions have reduced the prevalence of malnutrition, but it still affects millions of people around the world.

Which of the Following Is a Characteristic of Marasmus in Children