Q30.Which form of severe acute malnutrition commonly features bilateral pitting oedema?
(a) Rickets
(b) Pellagra
(c) Marasmus alone
(d) Kwashiorkor
Answer: (d) Kwashiorkor
Explanation: Kwashiorkor is classically an oedematous form of severe malnutrition. Affected children may develop swollen feet, skin changes and fatty liver. It arises from complex nutritional deficits and metabolic disturbances. Prevention often combines dietary diversity with targeted public-health nutrition measures.
Q29.Severe wasting with marked loss of body fat and muscle is characteristic of what?
(a) Hyperthyroidism
(b) Gout
(c) Marasmus
(d) Goitre
Answer: (c) Marasmus
Explanation: Marasmus is severe energy deficiency characterised by profound wasting and loss of subcutaneous fat. Unlike classic kwashiorkor, oedema is typically absent. Both conditions require carefully supervised nutritional rehabilitation. The surrounding dietary pattern and nutrient absorption can also influence deficiency risk.
Q28.Pellagra is often remembered by which three symptoms?
(a) Dizziness, diplopia and dehydration only
(b) Dermatitis, diarrhoea and dementia
(c) Diabetes, dysphagia and depression only
(d) Dyspnoea, deafness and diplopia
Answer: (b) Dermatitis, diarrhoea and dementia
Explanation: The traditional three Ds of pellagra are dermatitis, diarrhoea and dementia. Pellagra results from inadequate niacin or its precursor tryptophan, and severe untreated cases may be fatal. Characteristic clinical signs help distinguish overlapping deficiencies and guide further evaluation.
Q27.Cracks at mouth corners and a swollen tongue may indicate deficiency of which vitamin?
(a) Riboflavin (B2)
(b) Vitamin K
(c) Vitamin D
(d) Vitamin A
Answer: (a) Riboflavin (B2)
Explanation: Riboflavin deficiency can cause angular cheilitis, glossitis and inflamed oral mucosa. Riboflavin is part of coenzymes involved in energy metabolism and is found in dairy products, eggs and leafy vegetables. Prevention often combines dietary diversity with targeted public-health nutrition measures.
Q26.Deficiency of pyridoxine may affect which biological process?
(a) Iodine production in thyroid
(b) Formation of bile ducts
(c) Synthesis of vitamin D from sunlight
(d) Amino-acid metabolism and neurotransmitter synthesis
Answer: (d) Amino-acid metabolism and neurotransmitter synthesis
Explanation: Vitamin B6, or pyridoxine, participates in amino-acid and neurotransmitter metabolism. Severe deficiency may cause neuropathy, dermatitis, anaemia or seizures, although these findings are not specific to B6 alone. The surrounding dietary pattern and nutrient absorption can also influence deficiency risk.
Q25.Which deficiency is associated with dry beriberi and peripheral neuropathy?
(a) Zinc excess
(b) Iodine excess
(c) Thiamine deficiency
(d) Vitamin K excess
Answer: (c) Thiamine deficiency
Explanation: Thiamine (B1) is needed for carbohydrate energy metabolism. Dry beriberi primarily affects peripheral nerves and muscles, causing weakness, numbness and difficulty walking. Severe deficiency can also cause Wernicke encephalopathy. Characteristic clinical signs help distinguish overlapping deficiencies and guide further evaluation.
Q24.Wet beriberi mainly affects which system?
(a) Teeth enamel only
(b) Cardiovascular system
(c) Liver bile ducts only
(d) Visual pigments only
Answer: (b) Cardiovascular system
Explanation: Wet beriberi is thiamine deficiency with prominent cardiovascular effects, including oedema, rapid pulse and sometimes high-output heart failure. Prompt thiamine treatment is important when deficiency is suspected. Prevention often combines dietary diversity with targeted public-health nutrition measures.
Q23.Severe deficiency of vitamin E can sometimes cause which problem?
(a) Neuromuscular dysfunction
(b) Simple goitre due to iodine deficiency
(c) Scurvy
(d) Gout
Answer: (a) Neuromuscular dysfunction
Explanation: Vitamin E protects cellular membranes from oxidative damage. Severe deficiency, particularly in certain malabsorption disorders, may produce neuropathy, coordination problems and muscle weakness. It is uncommon with a balanced diet. The surrounding dietary pattern and nutrient absorption can also influence deficiency risk.
Q22.Poor wound healing, growth impairment and impaired taste may be linked with inadequate what?
(a) Iodine alone
(b) Sodium chloride only
(c) Vitamin D alone
(d) Zinc
Answer: (d) Zinc
Explanation: Zinc is needed for many enzymes, immune functions, growth and tissue repair. Deficiency may impair wound healing and taste, delay growth, and increase infection susceptibility, especially in vulnerable populations. Characteristic clinical signs help distinguish overlapping deficiencies and guide further evaluation.
Q21.Which trace element helps enzymes involved in iron metabolism and connective-tissue formation?
(a) Argon
(b) Helium
(c) Copper
(d) Neon
Answer: (c) Copper
Explanation: Copper is a cofactor for enzymes involved in iron handling, energy production and connective-tissue cross-linking. Copper deficiency can contribute to anaemia and neurological abnormalities, although these findings have other causes too. Prevention often combines dietary diversity with targeted public-health nutrition measures.
