Question

What symptom reported in the health history of a underweight teenager indicates the need for careful assessment of nutritional status? A. Black, tarry stools B. Loose, frothy stool C. Flat, ribbon-shaped stool D. Mahogany colored, formed stool

Short answer

Loose, frothy stool

Step-by-step solution

Identify Key Requirement

The question requires determining which symptom in a health history indicates the need for a careful assessment of nutritional status in an underweight teenager.

Evaluate each Symptom

Examine the provided symptoms to understand their significance and implications for nutritional status.

Assess Black, Tarry Stools

Black, tarry stools often indicate gastrointestinal bleeding, which can have implications for nutrition but is not directly related to nutritional status.

Assess Loose, Frothy Stools

Loose, frothy stool can be a sign of malabsorption, where the body does not properly absorb nutrients, indicating a need for nutritional assessment.

Assess Flat, Ribbon-shaped Stools

Flat, ribbon-shaped stools often suggest possible obstruction or growth in the intestines. While significant, it does not directly indicate a need for nutritional assessment.

Assess Mahogany Colored, Formed Stools

Mahogany colored, formed stools are not a common indicator of nutritional issues. They may indicate the presence of certain ingestible substances but not necessarily nutritional status concerns.

Select the Most Relevant Symptom

Based on the assessment, loose, frothy stools (option B) are most indicative of the need for careful assessment of nutritional status due to potential malabsorption.

Key concepts

Malabsorption Symptoms

Malabsorption occurs when the body's ability to absorb nutrients from food is impaired.
This can lead to various health issues, especially in adolescents who are in critical growth stages.
One key symptom of malabsorption is loose, frothy stools. These stools are often buoyant and difficult to flush.
They occur because undigested fats and nutrients are being expelled from the body instead of being absorbed.
Adolescents experiencing malabsorption may also have signs like:

• Chronic diarrhea
• Weight loss
• Fatigue
• Abdominal discomfort
• Frequent bloating

Identifying and addressing these symptoms early is crucial for maintaining proper nutritional status and overall health.
A healthcare provider can run tests to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatments.

Nutritional Status Indicators

Nutritional status indicators help determine if an adolescent is getting the nutrients they need for healthy growth and development.
Key indicators include:

• Body Mass Index (BMI): This is a calculation based on weight and height to determine if an individual is underweight, healthy weight, overweight, or obese.
• Dietary Intake: Evaluating the types and amounts of food consumed to ensure a balanced diet.
• Biochemical Indicators: Blood tests can reveal levels of essential nutrients like iron, vitamin D, and B12.
• Clinical Indicators: Physical exams can show signs of nutrient deficiencies, such as brittle nails or hair loss.

Monitoring these indicators helps catch nutritional issues early.
Addressing them promptly ensures that adolescents receive the necessary nutrients for proper development.

Pediatric Health Evaluation

Pediatric health evaluations are comprehensive assessments of a child's physical and developmental health.
They are essential for tracking growth and identifying health issues.
These evaluations typically include:

• Growth Measurements: Monitoring height, weight, and head circumference to ensure consistent development.
• Developmental Milestones: Checking if the child is meeting milestones in areas like speech, motor skills, and social interactions.
• Medical History Review: Discussing any symptoms, illnesses, or concerns the child or parents may have.
• Nutritional Assessment: Ensuring the child’s diet meets their nutritional needs.

Regular pediatric health evaluations are crucial.
They help detect early signs of potential issues like malabsorption or nutritional deficiencies.
Addressing these promptly can support healthy adolescent growth and development.