Nutrition: practice question

A Pediatrics 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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Pediatrics · Nutrition

Sample item

Which feature most clearly distinguishes kwashiorkor from marasmus?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Pedal oedema

Bilateral pedal oedema from protein deficiency is the feature that defines kwashiorkor. Marasmus is severe wasting from overall energy deficiency, without oedema.

Option by option

  • A. Irritability

    Irritability may occur in both.

  • B. Pedal oedema (correct)

    Correct.

  • C. Severe wasting

    Severe wasting is the hallmark of marasmus.

  • D. Growth failure

    Growth failure occurs in both.

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 Pediatrics questions

Questions about this Pediatrics question

What is the answer to this Pediatrics question?

The best answer is B, Pedal oedema. Bilateral pedal oedema from protein deficiency is the feature that defines kwashiorkor.

Why is "Irritability" not the answer?

Irritability may occur in both.

Why is "Severe wasting" not the answer?

Severe wasting is the hallmark of marasmus.

Why is "Growth failure" not the answer?

Growth failure occurs in both.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Nutrition in Pediatrics. Marasmus is severe wasting from overall energy deficiency, without oedema.

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?

Memorise milestones and the vaccine schedule as tables and revise them often. Then use the flashcards and the other Pediatrics 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.