Which of the following is the best indicator of a child's nutritional status?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Mid-upper arm circumference is a good indicator of muscle mass and fat stores, reflecting a child's nutritional status. It is particularly useful in assessing malnutrition, as it is less affected by fluid retention or dehydration compared to other anthropometric measurements. Weight can fluctuate due to factors like hydration status, making it less reliable as a sole indicator of nutritional status. Height reflects growth but may not directly indicate current nutritional status. Head circumference is more related to brain growth and development rather than overall nutritional status.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Absent breath sounds on the affected side are a primary symptom of congenital diaphragmatic hernia. Cyanosis, bradycardia, and tachypnea may also be present but are not the primary symptom. Cyanosis is a bluish discoloration of the skin due to poor oxygenation, bradycardia is a slower than normal heart rate, and tachypnea is rapid breathing.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Colicky, cramping abdominal pain around the umbilicus. This type of pain is a common early sign of acute appendicitis. Rebound tenderness, choice A, is a later sign seen in the physical examination of a patient with appendicitis. Rectal bleeding, as described in choice B, is not typically associated with appendicitis. Abdominal pain that is relieved by eating, as mentioned in choice C, is more indicative of peptic ulcer disease rather than appendicitis.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Croup is the correct answer. Croup is characterized by a 'seal-like' barking cough due to inflammation and narrowing of the upper airways, particularly the larynx and trachea. It is most common in young children and can cause significant respiratory distress, especially at night. Treatment often includes humidified air and corticosteroids. Asthma (choice B) typically presents with wheezing and shortness of breath, not a barking cough. Bronchitis (choice C) is characterized by productive cough with mucus, not a barking cough. Pneumonia (choice D) often presents with fever, productive cough, and chest pain, not a barking cough.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Corn on the cob with butter. Corn is a gluten-free option suitable for children with celiac disease. Choice A is incorrect because the bun contains gluten, so suggesting a hamburger patty without the bun is a better option. Choice B is not ideal as spaghetti often contains gluten, but spaghetti with marinara sauce could be a safer choice if the spaghetti is gluten-free. Choice D, rice cakes with hummus, is a gluten-free alternative, but corn on the cob is a more straightforward and common choice for children.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Pertussis. Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is characterized by a "whooping" sound during coughing episodes. This distinctive sound is due to the rapid intake of air after a series of coughs. Choice A, Croup, typically presents with a barking cough and stridor. Choice B, Bronchitis, is characterized by a productive cough with mucus. Choice D, Asthma, usually presents with wheezing and shortness of breath.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Hypokalemia is the correct answer because it is a common concern in children with severe diarrhea. Diarrhea can lead to significant potassium loss, resulting in hypokalemia. Hypernatremia (Choice A) is less common in diarrhea as sodium concentration is usually diluted by the fluid loss. Hypercalcemia (Choice C) is not typically associated with severe diarrhea. Hypomagnesemia (Choice D) can occur but is not as common as hypokalemia in this scenario.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Liver transplantation offers the best chance of survival for children with cirrhosis, especially in advanced stages where the liver can no longer function effectively. Cirrhosis is a late stage of scarring of the liver caused by many forms of liver diseases and conditions, such as hepatitis and chronic alcoholism. While nutritional support, blood component therapy, and corticosteroids may be part of the treatment plan to manage symptoms and complications, they do not address the underlying cause of cirrhosis or provide a cure like liver transplantation does.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Celiac disease often presents with steatorrhea, malnutrition, and foul-smelling stools due to the malabsorption of nutrients. Therefore, all the manifestations listed (steatorrhea, malnutrition, foul-smelling stools) are expected in a child with celiac disease. Polycythemia is not associated with celiac disease, making choice B the correct answer.