A 2‑year‑old child presents with severe wasting, very low weight for length, marked muscle wasting, and no significant edema. Which diagnosis and underlying nutrient deficiency pattern fits best, and what immediate clinical priority should be?

• A. Hidden hunger due to micronutrient deficiency such as vitamin A; immediate priority is to provide high‑dose micronutrient supplements only, delaying calories until later.
• B. Kwashiorkor due to isolated protein deficiency; immediate priority is rapid refeeding with high‑protein foods without monitoring because protein alone resolves the condition quickly.
• C. Chronic stunting unrelated to acute status; immediate priority is to discharge because stunting is irreversible and no acute treatment will change outcome.
• D. Marasmus due to severe overall calorie deficiency; immediate priority is careful nutritional rehabilitation with therapeutic feeding and monitoring for refeeding complications.

Answer: (D)