Question

The doctor exits the room and then discusses with the nurse the signs of protein deficiency in the patient's diet. These signs and symptoms include:

A) Skin that is dry, scaling, and bruised.
B) Hypopigmented hair and abdominal edema.
C) Bone pain and arthralgia.
D) Diarrhea, oily skin, and stomatitis.

Answer 1

Protein deficiency symptoms include abdominal edema, hypopigmented hair, as well as dry, scaling, and bruised skin, indicating the body's struggle with insufficient protein intake.

Step-by-step explanation:

Signs and symptoms of protein deficiency often manifest as various physical ailments. One of the key symptoms found in young children suffering from severe protein malnutrition, such as kwashiorkor, is abdominal edema, which is the accumulation of fluid in the abdomen leading to swelling. This is due to a lack of plasma albumin synthesis by liver cells, resulting in water retention. Additionally, the child may develop other symptoms such as skin anomalies that include dryness, scaling, and bruising. Hypopigmented hair is another indicator of protein deficiency, where the hair loses its color and strength. These are all signs that the body is not receiving enough protein to sustain normal operations, leading to various clinical presentations.