In Waterlow criteria, what does length/age index represent?

Prepare for the ASPEN Certified Nutrition Support Clinician (CNSC) Exam. Study with structured quizzes and detailed insights to enhance your knowledge and readiness. Get set for success!

Multiple Choice

In Waterlow criteria, what does length/age index represent?

Explanation:
The length/age index is a measure of linear growth relative to a child’s age. In the Waterlow framework, a low length-for-age indicates stunting, which reflects chronic malnutrition or long-standing nutritional deficits (often paired with recurrent illness) that impair height growth over time. Acute malnutrition is more about recent energy deficiency and is assessed by weight-for-height, while underweight combines aspects of both acute and chronic malnutrition (weight-for-age). Obesity is not described by this index. So the length/age index identifies stunting from chronic malnutrition.

The length/age index is a measure of linear growth relative to a child’s age. In the Waterlow framework, a low length-for-age indicates stunting, which reflects chronic malnutrition or long-standing nutritional deficits (often paired with recurrent illness) that impair height growth over time. Acute malnutrition is more about recent energy deficiency and is assessed by weight-for-height, while underweight combines aspects of both acute and chronic malnutrition (weight-for-age). Obesity is not described by this index. So the length/age index identifies stunting from chronic malnutrition.

More Multiple Choice Questions
Subscribe

Get the latest from Passetra

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy