DECE2 Important Question For TEE June 2024 | IGNOU | DECE |

Describe the relationship between malnutrition and infection.

• Answer: Malnutrition reduces the body’s immune response, making individuals more susceptible to infections. Infections, in turn, can worsen malnutrition by reducing appetite, nutrient absorption, and increasing nutrient loss.

What is meant by a ‘balanced diet’ and ‘recommended dietary intakes’?

• Answer: A balanced diet includes all essential nutrients in appropriate amounts to meet the body’s needs. Recommended dietary intakes are guidelines on the daily amounts of nutrients required to maintain good health.

State the nutrients required in greater amounts during pregnancy and explain why.

• Answer: Nutrients required in greater amounts during pregnancy include iron, folic acid, calcium, and protein. These nutrients support the increased blood volume, fetal development, and overall maternal health.

Describe two minor disorders during pregnancy and the advice for managing them.

• Answer: Common minor disorders include nausea and constipation. For nausea, small frequent meals and avoiding strong odors are advised. For constipation, increased fiber intake and hydration are recommended.

State the causes, symptoms, and prevention of iron deficiency anemia.

• Answer: Causes include inadequate dietary intake and increased needs during pregnancy. Symptoms include fatigue and pallor. Prevention involves consuming iron-rich foods and supplements.

Explain the function of proteins in the body.

• Answer: Proteins are essential for growth, tissue repair, and the production of enzymes and hormones.

What are the dietary sources of vitamin A and its importance?

• Answer: Sources include carrots, sweet potatoes, and liver. Vitamin A is crucial for vision, immune function, and skin health.

Describe the symptoms and management of severe diarrhea in children.

• Answer: Symptoms include frequent watery stools and dehydration. Management involves rehydration with oral rehydration salts and continued feeding.

Explain the importance of breastfeeding for infants.

• Answer: Breastfeeding provides ideal nutrition, strengthens the immune system, and promotes bonding between mother and child.

What is the role of folic acid during pregnancy?

• Answer: Folic acid is vital for preventing neural tube defects in the developing fetus.

Describe the process of monitoring child growth and development.

• Answer: Regular measurement of weight, height, and head circumference against standardized growth charts.

What are the common signs of severe malnutrition in children?

• Answer: Signs include severe wasting, edema, and visible ribcage.

Explain the concept of food groups and their significance in a balanced diet.

• Answer: Food groups include fruits, vegetables, grains, proteins, and dairy. Each group provides essential nutrients necessary for health.

Describe the symptoms of vitamin D deficiency.

• Answer: Symptoms include bone pain and muscle weakness, potentially leading to rickets in children.

What are the recommended dietary intakes for infants?

• Answer: Infants require breast milk or formula, with gradual introduction of solid foods rich in iron, protein, and vitamins around six months.

Explain the importance of water in the diet.

• Answer: Water is essential for hydration, digestion, and the elimination of waste.

Describe the nutritional needs of lactating mothers.

• Answer: Increased caloric intake, along with higher needs for protein, calcium, and fluids to support milk production.

What is the function of carbohydrates in the body?

• Answer: Carbohydrates provide energy for bodily functions and physical activity.

Describe any two symptoms of protein-energy malnutrition (PEM).

• Answer: Symptoms include wasting (marasmus) and edema (kwashiorkor).

Explain the role of micronutrients in child development.

• Answer: Micronutrients like iron, zinc, and iodine are crucial for cognitive development, immune function, and overall growth.

What are the preventive measures for vitamin A deficiency?

• Answer: Consumption of vitamin A-rich foods and supplementation programs in at-risk populations.

Describe the relationship between nutrition and cognitive development in children.

• Answer: Proper nutrition supports brain development and function, impacting learning and behavior.

Explain the importance of dietary fiber and its sources.

• Answer: Dietary fiber aids in digestion, prevents constipation, and helps control blood sugar levels. Sources include fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

What are the symptoms of iodine deficiency?

• Answer: Symptoms include goiter and hypothyroidism, leading to developmental delays in children.

Describe the impact of socio-economic factors on child nutrition.

• Answer: Socio-economic factors influence access to nutritious food, healthcare, and education, affecting overall child health and development.

Explain the concept of complementary feeding.

• Answer: Introduction of solid foods alongside breastfeeding at around six months to meet the growing nutritional needs of the infant.

What are the symptoms and prevention strategies for scurvy?

• Answer: Symptoms include bleeding gums and fatigue. Prevention involves adequate intake of vitamin C through fruits and vegetables.

Describe the role of zinc in child health.

• Answer: Zinc is essential for immune function, cell growth, and repair.

What is the importance of immunization in child health?

• Answer: Immunization protects against preventable diseases, reducing morbidity and mortality rates.

Explain the relationship between diet and chronic diseases.

• Answer: Poor diet can lead to chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. A balanced diet helps in prevention and management.

Describe the relationship between malnutrition and infection, giving examples.

• Answer: Malnutrition and infection are interrelated in a cyclical manner. Malnutrition weakens the immune system, making the body more susceptible to infections. For instance, a deficiency in vitamin A can impair the immune response, leading to increased severity of infections such as measles and respiratory infections. Conversely, infections can exacerbate malnutrition by reducing appetite, causing malabsorption of nutrients, and increasing the body’s metabolic demands. Diarrheal diseases, for example, cause significant loss of fluids and nutrients, leading to further malnutrition.

What is meant by a ‘balanced diet’ and ‘recommended dietary intakes’? Explain the relationship between the two, giving examples.

• Answer: A balanced diet includes a variety of foods in the right proportions to provide the necessary nutrients for maintaining health, growth, and energy. It includes carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals, and water. Recommended dietary intakes (RDIs) are guidelines that specify the daily amounts of nutrients needed for healthy individuals. The relationship between the two is that a balanced diet is planned based on RDIs to ensure that individuals consume the appropriate amounts of nutrients. For example, an RDI for calcium can guide the inclusion of dairy products, leafy greens, and fortified foods in a balanced diet to meet calcium needs.

State the nutrients required in greater amounts during pregnancy and explain why they are required in more amounts.

• Answer: During pregnancy, the nutritional requirements increase significantly to support the growing fetus and the changes in the mother’s body. Key nutrients required in greater amounts include:
  • Iron: To support the increased blood volume and prevent anemia.
  • Folic Acid: To reduce the risk of neural tube defects.
  • Calcium: For the development of the baby’s bones and teeth.
  • Protein: For the growth of fetal tissues, including the brain. These nutrients are crucial for ensuring the health of both the mother and the developing baby.

Describe any two minor disorders during pregnancy and the advice you would give to manage these.

• Answer: Two common minor disorders during pregnancy are:
  • Nausea and Vomiting: Often referred to as morning sickness, it can be managed by eating small, frequent meals, avoiding strong odors, and staying hydrated. Ginger tea and crackers can help alleviate symptoms.
  • Constipation: This can be managed by increasing dietary fiber intake through fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, drinking plenty of water, and engaging in regular physical activity.

State the causes, symptoms, and prevention of iron deficiency anemia.

• Answer: Iron deficiency anemia is caused by inadequate dietary intake of iron, blood loss, or increased needs during pregnancy and growth spurts. Symptoms include fatigue, pallor, and shortness of breath. Prevention involves consuming iron-rich foods such as red meat, leafy greens, and fortified cereals, along with vitamin C to enhance absorption. Iron supplements may also be recommended, especially for pregnant women.

Explain the function of proteins in the body.

• Answer: Proteins play several critical roles in the body, including:
  • Growth and Repair: Building and repairing tissues, including muscles and organs.
  • Enzyme and Hormone Production: Acting as enzymes to catalyze biochemical reactions and as hormones to regulate bodily functions.
  • Immune Function: Producing antibodies to fight infections.
  • Energy Source: Serving as an energy source when carbohydrates and fats are insufficient.

What are the dietary sources of vitamin A and its importance?

• Answer: Dietary sources of vitamin A include liver, fish oils, milk, eggs, and beta-carotene-rich vegetables such as carrots, sweet potatoes, and spinach. Vitamin A is important for maintaining healthy vision, supporting immune function, and promoting skin health.

Describe the symptoms and management of severe diarrhea in children.

• Answer: Symptoms of severe diarrhea include frequent watery stools, dehydration, and weakness. Management involves:
  • Rehydration: Using oral rehydration solutions (ORS) to replace lost fluids and electrolytes.
  • Continued Feeding: Continuing to feed the child to provide necessary nutrients and prevent malnutrition.
  • Medical Attention: Seeking medical care if symptoms persist or worsen to prevent complications.

Explain the importance of breastfeeding for infants.

• Answer: Breastfeeding is crucial for infants as it provides ideal nutrition, strengthens the immune system, and promotes healthy growth and development. Breast milk contains antibodies that protect against infections, is easily digestible, and fosters a bond between mother and child.

What is the role of folic acid during pregnancy?

• Answer: Folic acid is essential during pregnancy for the prevention of neural tube defects in the developing fetus. It supports the formation of the neural tube, which later develops into the baby’s brain and spinal cord. Pregnant women are advised to take folic acid supplements and consume folate-rich foods such as leafy greens, legumes, and fortified cereals.

Describe the process of monitoring child growth and development.

• Answer: Monitoring child growth and development involves regular measurements of weight, height, and head circumference, plotted on standardized growth charts. Developmental milestones such as motor skills, language, and social behaviors are also assessed. This helps in identifying any growth deviations or developmental delays early on, allowing for timely interventions.

What are the common signs of severe malnutrition in children?

• Answer: Common signs of severe malnutrition include:
  • Wasting: Significant weight loss and muscle wasting, leading to a very thin appearance.
  • Edema: Swelling in the legs, feet, or face due to protein deficiency (kwashiorkor).
  • Stunted Growth: Impaired growth resulting in short stature for age.
  • Behavioral Changes: Irritability, lethargy, and lack of energy.

Explain the concept of food groups and their significance in a balanced diet.

• Answer: Food groups categorize foods based on their nutrient content and include fruits, vegetables, grains, proteins, and dairy. Each group provides essential nutrients needed for health. For instance, fruits and vegetables are rich in vitamins and minerals, grains provide carbohydrates for energy, proteins supply amino acids for growth and repair, and dairy products offer calcium for bone health. A balanced diet incorporates all these groups to ensure comprehensive nutrition.

Describe the symptoms of vitamin D deficiency and how to prevent it.

• Answer: Symptoms of vitamin D deficiency include bone pain, muscle weakness, and in severe cases, rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults. Prevention involves adequate sun exposure, consuming vitamin D-rich foods such as fatty fish, fortified milk, and eggs, and taking supplements if necessary.

What are the recommended dietary intakes for infants and how should they be met?

• Answer: Infants require a diet rich in essential nutrients to support rapid growth and development. Breast milk or formula is recommended exclusively for the first six months, followed by the gradual introduction of solid foods rich in iron, protein, and vitamins. Foods such as pureed fruits, vegetables, and cereals can be introduced, ensuring they meet the dietary guidelines for this age group.

Explain the importance of water in the diet and the consequences of dehydration.

• Answer: Water is crucial for maintaining hydration, aiding digestion, regulating body temperature, and eliminating waste. Dehydration can lead to symptoms such as dry mouth, fatigue, dizziness, and severe cases can cause heatstroke, kidney failure, and other serious health issues. Adequate water intake is essential for overall health and bodily functions.

Describe the nutritional needs of lactating mothers and why they are important.

• Answer: Lactating mothers need increased calories, protein, calcium, and fluids to support milk production and maintain their own health. These nutrients help in the production of nutritious breast milk, which is crucial for the baby’s growth and development. A well-balanced diet with diverse food groups is essential for meeting these needs.

What is the function of carbohydrates in the body and what are their dietary sources?

• Answer: Carbohydrates are the body’s primary source of energy, essential for brain function and physical activity. They are broken down into glucose, which is used by cells for energy. Dietary sources include grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes. Complex carbohydrates like whole grains and fiber-rich foods provide sustained energy and aid in digestive health.

Describe the symptoms and management of protein-energy malnutrition (PEM).

• Answer: Symptoms of PEM include severe weight loss (wasting), muscle weakness, edema (swelling), and stunted growth. Management involves nutritional rehabilitation with a balanced diet rich in calories and protein, along with medical treatment for any infections or complications. In severe cases, therapeutic feeding programs may be necessary.

Explain the role of micronutrients in child development and provide examples.

• Answer: Micronutrients, including vitamins and minerals, play critical roles in child development. For example:
  • Iron: Necessary for cognitive development and preventing anemia.
  • Zinc: Important for immune function and cell growth.
  • Iodine: Crucial for brain development and preventing developmental delays. Ensuring adequate intake of these micronutrients through a balanced diet or supplements is vital for healthy growth and development.

Describe the preventive measures for vitamin A deficiency and their importance.

• Answer: Preventive measures for vitamin A deficiency include consuming vitamin A-rich foods such as carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach, and liver. Vitamin A supplementation programs and fortification of foods (e.g., adding vitamin A to margarine) are also important, especially in areas with high deficiency rates. Vitamin A is crucial for maintaining healthy vision, immune function, and overall growth and development in children.

Explain the relationship between nutrition and cognitive development in children.

• Answer: Proper nutrition is essential for brain development and cognitive function in children. Nutrients such as iron, iodine, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids are particularly important. Iron deficiency, for example, can lead to cognitive impairments and developmental delays. Ensuring an adequate intake of these nutrients supports learning, memory, and overall brain health.

What are the symptoms and prevention strategies for scurvy, and why is it important to address them?

• Answer: Scurvy is caused by a deficiency in vitamin C and is characterized by symptoms such as bleeding gums, bruising, joint pain, and fatigue. Prevention strategies include consuming vitamin C-rich foods like citrus fruits, strawberries, bell peppers, and broccoli. Addressing scurvy is important because vitamin C is essential for collagen synthesis, wound healing, and immune function.

Describe the role of zinc in child health and the dietary sources of zinc.

• Answer: Zinc is essential for immune function, cell growth, and repair, and it plays a role in enzyme function and DNA synthesis. Dietary sources of zinc include meat, shellfish, dairy products, nuts, seeds, and whole grains. Adequate zinc intake is vital for preventing growth retardation and supporting overall health.

What is the importance of immunization in child health and how does it relate to nutrition?

• Answer: Immunization protects children from preventable diseases, reducing morbidity and mortality rates. Well-nourished children are better able to respond to vaccines and recover from illnesses. Nutrition and immunization together contribute to a child’s overall health, ensuring proper growth and development.

Explain the relationship between diet and chronic diseases, providing examples.

• Answer: Poor diet is a significant risk factor for chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and certain cancers. For example, a diet high in saturated fats and sugars can lead to obesity and type 2 diabetes, while a diet low in fruits and vegetables can increase the risk of heart disease and cancer. A balanced diet rich in whole foods, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats helps prevent these diseases and promotes long-term health.

Describe the symptoms and treatment of marasmus and kwashiorkor.

• Answer: Marasmus is characterized by severe wasting and muscle loss due to inadequate caloric intake. Symptoms include extreme thinness, weakness, and growth retardation. Kwashiorkor is caused by protein deficiency and is characterized by edema, an enlarged liver, and skin lesions. Treatment for both conditions involves nutritional rehabilitation with a balanced diet high in calories and protein, along with medical care for any complications.

What are the benefits of complementary feeding and when should it be introduced?

• Answer: Complementary feeding involves introducing solid foods to an infant’s diet alongside breastfeeding, typically around six months of age. Benefits include providing additional nutrients needed for growth and development, improving dietary diversity, and promoting healthy eating habits. It also helps in transitioning the infant to a varied diet as they grow older.

Explain the importance of dietary fiber and list its sources.

• Answer: Dietary fiber is important for digestive health, preventing constipation, and regulating blood sugar levels. It also helps maintain a healthy weight and lowers the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Sources of dietary fiber include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds. A diet rich in fiber supports overall health and well-being.

Describe the impact of socio-economic factors on child nutrition and provide examples of interventions.

• Answer: Socio-economic factors such as income, education, and access to healthcare significantly impact child nutrition. Children from low-income families are at higher risk of malnutrition due to limited access to nutritious food and healthcare services. Interventions include food assistance programs, nutrition education, and improving access to healthcare services. For example, school feeding programs can provide essential nutrients to children from disadvantaged backgrounds, supporting their growth and learning.