Final answer:
The adolescent at greatest nutritional risk is the one with irregular eating patterns, as this can lead to nutrient deficiencies and eating disorders. Kwashiorkor is the likely condition for an undernourished child with a distended abdomen, caused by protein deficiency.
Step-by-step explanation:
In assessing which type of adolescent is at greatest nutritional risk, we should consider their eating habits and patterns. The adolescents at greatest risk are those who have irregular eating patterns or consume fast food frequently. However, among the options provided, the answer is C. One who has irregular eating patterns. Irregular eating patterns can lead to deficiencies in essential nutrients, disrupt metabolism, and contribute to the development of eating disorders such as anorexia or bulimia nervosa. On the other hand, consuming fast food more than three times per week also poses a significant risk to nutritional health and can lead to issues such as obesity and type 2 diabetes.
For the eating disorders, A. People with this disorder often develop an electrolyte imbalance matches bulimia nervosa, as purging behaviors can lead to this condition. B. People with this disorder typically eat very little is indicative of anorexia nervosa, where there is extreme restriction of food intake. C. People with this disorder are at risk of developing type 2 diabetes is associated with binge eating disorder, where individuals frequently consume large quantities of food, possibly leading to overweight and obesity.
Regarding an undernourished child with a distended abdomen, they are more likely to have kwashiorkor. Kwashiorkor is characterized by protein deficiency despite adequate calorie intake, which can lead to fluid retention in the abdomen. Marasmus, on the other hand, is a severe deficiency of both calories and protein, and children with marasmus typically appear emaciated without abdominal distension.