As per WHO criteria used in Indian national surveys, a child whose height-for-age Z-score falls below minus 3 standard deviations of the median of the reference population is classified as:
- A Moderately stunted
- B Severely wasted
- C Severely stunted ✓
- D Underweight
Correct answer: C. Severely stunted
Explanation
Stunting reflects chronic malnutrition and is defined by low height-for-age: below minus 2 SD is moderate stunting, below minus 3 SD is severe stunting. Wasting is assessed by weight-for-height (acute malnutrition), and underweight by weight-for-age. Height-for-age cannot distinguish wasting because it measures linear growth retardation over a long period.
Reference: WHO Child Growth Standards, 2006 ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.