Which of the following is an indicator of severe acute malnutrition based on weight relative to height?

Severe acute malnutrition (SAM) is a critical condition that can be assessed using specific criteria, primarily the measurement of weight relative to height. In this context, Grade III malnutrition is characterized by severe wasting, where a child's weight-for-height is significantly below the standard threshold. This classification indicates that the child is at a high risk of morbidity and mortality and requires immediate medical intervention.

A child classified as Grade III has a weight-for-height z-score below -3 standard deviations from the median of the World Health Organization's growth standards. This signifies a severe deficiency in nutritional status, often accompanying clinical signs such as edema, muscle wasting, and a risk of life-threatening complications.

Categories like Grade I and Grade II reflect varying degrees of moderate malnutrition, where the severity of wasting is less pronounced compared to Grade III. Grade 0 typically indicates a healthy nutritional status, falling within the normal range for weight relative to height. Understanding these classifications is crucial for healthcare providers in identifying and responding to cases of malnutrition effectively.