International Board of Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) Practice Exam

What symptom may suggest a metabolic disorder in infants?

1. High fever and rash

2. Weight gain and alertness

3. Vomiting and unusual odor to urine or skin

4. Frequent sleep and increased appetite

The correct answer is: Vomiting and unusual odor to urine or skin

The presence of vomiting and an unusual odor to urine or skin in infants can indeed suggest a metabolic disorder. Metabolic disorders often arise from deficiencies in enzymes that are necessary for processing certain substances in the body. These conditions can lead to the accumulation of toxic metabolites, which may manifest through various symptoms. In infants, metabolic disorders can present as changes in feeding behaviors, vomiting, failure to thrive, and distinctive odors related to specific metabolic deficiencies. For example, maple syrup urine disease is characterized by a sweet odor in the urine, while phenylketonuria can produce a musty odor. When caregivers or healthcare providers observe vomiting alongside an unusual odor, it serves as an important clinical indicator that may warrant further evaluation for potential metabolic issues. The other symptoms listed do not typically suggest metabolic disorders. High fever and rash might indicate infections or inflammatory processes, while weight gain and alertness are generally signs of healthy growth and development. Similarly, frequent sleep and increased appetite can be normal behaviors for infants and do not specifically indicate metabolic problems.