Family Nurse Practitioner Exam

What is an essential nursing intervention for a child presenting with unusual growth patterns?

1. Ignore the issue unless symptoms worsen

2. Conduct a thorough developmental assessment

3. Refer the child to a dietitian

4. Monitor growth until the child is school-aged

The correct answer is: Conduct a thorough developmental assessment

Conducting a thorough developmental assessment is essential when evaluating a child with unusual growth patterns. This intervention allows the nurse to gather comprehensive information about the child's physical, cognitive, and social development. By assessing various domains of development, the nurse can identify potential underlying issues, such as growth disorders, nutritional deficiencies, or psychosocial factors that could be impacting the child's growth. This assessment goes beyond merely measuring height and weight; it often includes evaluating milestones, parental concerns, and the child's overall functioning. Early identification of growth issues is crucial, as timely interventions can significantly improve long-term outcomes. The thorough understanding gained from a developmental assessment can guide further actions, such as referrals or additional tests, ensuring the child's needs are appropriately addressed. Monitoring growth alone or waiting for worsening symptoms does not provide the proactive approach required in pediatric care. Additionally, while consulting a dietitian may be helpful for nutritional concerns, it is only one aspect of a broader evaluation needed to understand the child's growth patterns fully. Therefore, a comprehensive developmental assessment is a critical first step in addressing unusual growth patterns in children.