Nutrition and Dietetics Exam

# ** & ** ## Questions with Comprehensive Answers and Explanations --- ## CAT 2 EXAMINATION ### SECTION A **Question 1: Mention any five functions of proteins in the body. (5 Marks)** **Answer:** - **Structural Function** - Building and maintaining body tissues (muscles, bones, skin, hair) - **Enzymatic Function** - Acting as catalysts in biochemical reactions - **Transport Function** - Carrying substances in blood (e.g., hemoglobin transports oxygen) - **Defense Function** - Forming antibodies for immune protection - **Energy Function** - Providing 4 calories per gram when carbohydrates are insufficient **Explanation:** Proteins are essential macronutrients with diverse roles. Their primary function is structural (building tissues), but they also serve as enzymes, transporters, immune defenders, and backup energy sources. --- **Question 2: Describe the vicious cycle of illness and malnutrition. (5 Marks)** **Answer:** The vicious cycle of illness and malnutrition is a self-perpetuating process where: - **Malnutrition leads to illness** - Poor nutrition weakens immune system, making the body susceptible to infections - **Illness worsens malnutrition** - Disease reduces appetite, increases nutrient losses, and impairs absorption - **Continuous cycle** - Each episode of illness further depletes nutritional status - **Progressive deterioration** - Without intervention, both nutritional and health status continue declining - **Increased mortality risk** - Severe cases can lead to death **Question 3: Describe the ABCD of Nutrition assessment. (8 Marks)** **Answer:** The ABCD of nutrition assessment represents four comprehensive evaluation methods: **A - Anthropometric Assessment (2 marks)** - Measurements of body size, weight, and proportions - Includes height, weight, BMI, waist circumference, skinfold thickness - Indicates nutritional status over time **B - Biochemical Assessment (2 marks)** - Laboratory tests of blood, urine, and tissue samples - Measures nutrient levels, enzyme activities, metabolic products - Detects subclinical deficiencies before physical signs appear **C - Clinical Assessment (2 marks)** - Physical examination for signs and symptoms of malnutrition - Includes assessment of hair, skin, eyes, mouth, organs - Identifies advanced nutritional deficiencies **D - Dietary Assessment (2 marks)** - Evaluation of food intake patterns and dietary habits - Methods include 24-hour recall, food frequency questionnaires, food records - Assesses adequacy of nutrient intake **Question 4: Describe three complications that a woman may face during pregnancy. (6 Marks)** **Answer:** - **Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (2 marks)**High blood sugar levels developing during pregnancy - Can lead to large birth weight babies and delivery complications - Increases risk of type 2 diabetes later in life - **Pregnancy-Induced Hypertension/Pre-eclampsia (2 marks)**High blood pressure with protein in urine - Can cause seizures, organ damage, and maternal/fetal death - Requires immediate medical intervention - **Iron Deficiency Anemia (2 marks)**Common due to increased iron needs during pregnancy - Causes fatigue, weakness, and increased infection risk - Can lead to premature birth and low birth weight **Question 5: Explain the importance of pre-conception nutrition. (6 Marks)** **Answer:** Pre-conception nutrition is crucial for: - **Optimizing maternal health** - Ensures mother enters pregnancy in optimal nutritional state - **Preventing birth defects** - Adequate folate prevents neural tube defects like spina bifida - **Supporting fertility** - Proper nutrition improves conception chances for both partners - **Building nutrient stores** - Establishes adequate reserves of vitamins, minerals, and energy - **Reducing pregnancy complications** - Decreases risk of gestational diabetes, hypertension - **Promoting healthy fetal development** - Provides optimal environment for embryonic growth **Question 6: Describe how proper nutrition before pregnancy prepares the mother for a smooth pregnancy. (5 Marks)** **Answer:** - **Establishes adequate nutrient stores** - Builds reserves of iron, calcium, and vitamins needed during pregnancy - **Optimizes body weight** - Achieving healthy BMI reduces pregnancy complications - **Strengthens immune system** - Good nutrition enhances resistance to infections - **Prepares reproductive system** - Essential nutrients support ovulation and implantation - **Reduces morning sickness** - Adequate B-vitamin status may minimize nausea and vomiting ### SECTION B **Question 1: Distinguish between essential and non-essential amino acids and give two examples in each. (6 Marks)** **Answer:** **Essential Amino Acids (3 marks):** - Cannot be synthesized by the human body - Must be obtained from dietary sources - Examples: Lysine, Methionine **Non-Essential Amino Acids (3 marks):** - Can be synthesized by the human body - Not required in th