American Board of Surgery Qualifying Exam (ABS QE) Practice Test

In Marasmus, which vital signs are notably low?

1. Temperature and respiratory rate

2. Heart rate and blood pressure

3. Blood sugar and oxygen saturation

4. Weight and height

The correct answer is: Heart rate and blood pressure

In Marasmus, the notable characteristic is the significant malnutrition that leads to a wasting of body tissues and energy reserves. This condition is associated with various physiological changes, including alterations in vital signs. When it comes to heart rate and blood pressure, both can be significantly impacted in a person suffering from Marasmus. The heart rate may drop due to a weakened cardiac function attributed to inadequate nutrition, while blood pressure may also be low due to dehydration and reduced blood volume from malnutrition. The metabolic state of an individual with Marasmus can lead to bradycardia (slow heart rate) and hypotension (low blood pressure), as the body attempts to conserve energy in response to the severe caloric deficit. The other options do not specifically highlight vital signs in the context of Marasmus. While temperature and respiratory rate may be affected in various illnesses, they are not as consistently low in this scenario. Blood sugar levels could fluctuate but do not directly reflect vital signs in Marasmus. Weight and height, while important indicators of nutritional status and growth in children affected by Marasmus, are not classified as vital signs. Thus, the focus on heart rate and blood pressure accurately captures the physiological changes observed in this condition.