Question

A child is observed for a period of time. He is not growing in size; he is listless, apathetic, and depressed. Of the following choices, his condition would most likely be due to:

Answer 1

A child who is not growing and appears listless and depressed may be suffering from severe undernutrition, like marasmus or kwashiorkor, or a mental health disorder like anorexia nervosa, all of which can impede growth and cause apathetic behavior.

Step-by-step explanation:

A child who is not growing in size, and is observed to be listless, apathetic, and depressed, is likely experiencing a condition linked to various factors such as severe undernutrition or a mental health disorder. Specific conditions like marasmus and kwashiorkor are diseases related to calorie and protein malnutrition, respectively, which can cause a child to stop growing in size and exhibit symptoms such as lethargy and apathy. Marasmus results in extreme wasting of the child's muscles and a thin appearance, while children with kwashiorkor typically have swollen bellies and feet due to inadequate protein intake. Moreover, mental health disorders such as anorexia nervosa can also lead to severe emaciation and hindered growth.