Nutrition & Deficiencies
What is the AAP's recommendation for exclusive breastfeeding?
First 6 months, with continued breastfeeding for 1 year or longer.
Rationale: Breast milk provides complete nutrition and immune protection.
Which malnutrition disorder is caused by protein deficiency with adequate calories?
Kwashiorkor
Protein deficiency → edema, ascites, muscle wasting.
Define Food Allergy vs. Food intolerance
Food allergy: Immunological response
Food Intolerance: Non-immune reproducible reaction
Define Failure to Thrive (FTT)
Weight <80% of expected or a drop of > 2 percentiles on the growth chart.
What does SIDS stand for?
Sudden Infant Death SYNDROME
Macrominerals: >100mg/day (Ca, P, Mg, Na, K, Cl, S)
Microminerals: <100mg/day (trace elements like iron, zinc)
Marasmus
General malnutrition → sunken eyes, wrinkled skin, no edema.
What are the most Common allergens in children?
Eggs, cow's milk, peanuts
Name one possible cause of FTT.
Inadequate intake, malabsorption (CF, Celiac), increased metabolism, or genetic/metabolic defects
Name two risk factors for SIDS
At what age should solid foods be introduced?
Before 4 months, infants cannot handle solid food safely
What does SAM stand for?
Severe Acute Malnutrition
Includes kwashiorkor, marasmus, and mixed form.
Intramuscular Epinephrine
Define Colic using the "Rule of 3s"
Crying > 3hrs/day, >3 days/week, for >3 weeks in infants > 3 months.
Which sleeping position is recommended to reduce SIDS risk?
Supine (on the back)
Which vitamin deficiency can lead to rickets in infants?
Vitamin D deficiency
Lack of Vitamin D → poor bone mineralization, bowed legs.
What is the most important complication of SAM to monitor for when reintroducing nutrition?
Refeeding Syndrome
Life-threatening electrolyte imbalance (esp. hypophosphatemia).
Define Atopy
1. correct deficiencies
2. Provide catch-up calories
3. restore body composition
4. Educate caregivers
What is Deformational Plagiocephaly and its cause?
Flattening of one side of the head due to prolonged positioning
Define Dietary Reference Intake (DRI)
A set of nutrient reference values used to assess and plan dietary intake.
Rationale: DRIs help standardize nutrition guidelines and prevent deficiencies.
What are the three management goals for diarrhea in SAM?
Rehydration, antibiotics, and adequate nutrition (breastfeeding/ proper weaning)
Rationale: Prevents dehydration, secondary infections, and malnutrition.
Name two GI manifestations of food allergies.
Abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, cramping
Common site of allergic response
Name two categories of colic
Overfeeding, swallowing excessive air, feeding too quickly, and household stress.
Colic: multifactorial and not due to "bad parenting"
define BRUE (brief unresolved unexplained event)
Sudden, frightening episode (apnea, color change, muscle tone change, gagging/choking) that resolves.