Quiz on How Parasites Limit a Child’s Growth

What is stunting?

• A condition where children grow taller than average

• A temporary growth delay

• A condition where children do not grow as tall as they should for their age

• A sign of good health and nutrition

Answer explanation

Stunting is a condition where children do not grow as tall as they should for their age, often due to chronic malnutrition or health issues. This choice accurately defines stunting, unlike the other options.

Which of the following is a major reason for stunting?

• Overeating

• Genetic factors

• Poor nutrition

• Excessive exercise

Answer explanation

Poor nutrition is a major reason for stunting as it leads to insufficient growth and development in children. Unlike overeating or excessive exercise, which do not directly cause stunting, poor nutrition severely impacts overall health.

How can parasites interfere with a child's nutrition?

• By increasing appetite

• By taking important nutrients from the food

• By improving digestion

• By providing additional vitamins

Answer explanation

Parasites interfere with a child's nutrition primarily by taking important nutrients from the food they consume, leading to deficiencies and poor health.

What is environmental enteric dysfunction?

• A type of parasite

• A genetic disorder

• A condition that affects the gut, making it hard to absorb nutrients

• A condition that enhances nutrient absorption

Answer explanation

Environmental enteric dysfunction is a condition that affects the gut, leading to impaired nutrient absorption. This makes the correct choice the one that describes its impact on nutrient absorption.

What is one way parasites can affect a child's growth?

• By improving immune function

• By causing diarrhea, leading to nutrient loss

• By increasing energy levels

• By enhancing brain development

Answer explanation

Parasites can cause diarrhea, which leads to nutrient loss in children. This nutrient deficiency can hinder their growth and development, making this the correct choice.

What is anemia?

• A condition where the body has too many red blood cells

• A type of parasitic infection

• A genetic disorder

• A condition where the body doesn't have enough healthy red blood cells

Answer explanation

Anemia is defined as a condition where the body doesn't have enough healthy red blood cells, which can lead to fatigue and weakness. The other options do not accurately describe anemia.

How can parasitic infections affect brain development?

• By enhancing cognitive abilities

• By increasing intelligence

• By making it harder for children to learn and succeed in school

• By improving memory

Answer explanation

Parasitic infections can impair brain development, leading to difficulties in learning and academic performance. This negatively impacts children's ability to succeed in school, making the correct choice about their educational challenges.

What is one way to prevent parasitic infections?

• Avoiding fruits and vegetables

• Washing hands with soap

• Drinking untreated water

• Eating raw meat

Answer explanation

Washing hands with soap is crucial in preventing parasitic infections as it removes harmful pathogens. In contrast, avoiding fruits and vegetables, drinking untreated water, and eating raw meat can increase the risk of infections.

Which of the following is NOT a way parasites can affect growth?

• Causing stomach pain and loss of appetite

• Affecting genes related to growth

• Improving nutrient absorption

• Causing diarrhea

Answer explanation

Parasites typically harm growth by causing issues like stomach pain, loss of appetite, and diarrhea, or by affecting growth-related genes. However, they do not improve nutrient absorption, which is why this option is correct.

What is the impact of stunting on families?

• It has no impact on families

• It can keep families trapped in cycles of poverty

• It improves job opportunities

• It helps families escape poverty

Answer explanation

Stunting negatively affects physical and cognitive development, limiting educational and job opportunities. This can trap families in cycles of poverty, as they struggle to improve their economic situation.