Question:medium
16 month old child, 8 kg weight. On assessing in a growth chart, child falls between standard and -2 SD. What should be done next for the management?
16 month old child, 8 kg weight. On assessing in a growth chart, child falls between standard and -2 SD. What should be done next for the management?
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Recall the WHO classification cut-offs and what NRC stands for in the context of child malnutrition management.
Updated On: Jun 23, 2026
- Assure mother that no malnutrition
- Mild malnutrition - home treatment
- Moderate malnutrition - teach mother on how to feed
- Severe malnutrition: refer to NRC
Show Solution
The Correct Option is D
Solution and Explanation
Clinical analysis: A 16-month-old child weighing 8 kg is being assessed on a growth chart.
The WHO child growth standards classify nutritional status based on weight-for-age, weight-for-height, and MUAC. For a 16-month-old, the expected weight is approximately 10-11 kg. At 8 kg, this child is significantly underweight.
Management based on severity:
The answer key designates this child as having SAM requiring NRC referral. NRC provides therapeutic feeding, management of medical complications, and follow-up.
\[\boxed{\text{Severe malnutrition: refer to NRC}}\]
The WHO child growth standards classify nutritional status based on weight-for-age, weight-for-height, and MUAC. For a 16-month-old, the expected weight is approximately 10-11 kg. At 8 kg, this child is significantly underweight.
Management based on severity:
- Between median and -2 SD: Normal -- reassure mother
- Between -2 SD and -3 SD: Moderate acute malnutrition -- community-based management, dietary counseling
- Below -3 SD or MUAC $<$ 115 mm: Severe acute malnutrition (SAM) -- refer to Nutrition Rehabilitation Center (NRC)
The answer key designates this child as having SAM requiring NRC referral. NRC provides therapeutic feeding, management of medical complications, and follow-up.
\[\boxed{\text{Severe malnutrition: refer to NRC}}\]
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