Introduction
Developmental issues are a sphere of concern for parents and medical specialists. Everyone may want their children to follow the average growth pattern, but certain obstacles may prevent it from happening. A standard measurement procedure may reveal concerning details about a child’s development, and both sides need to cooperate in ensuring a healthy future for them. This paper will focus on the case of an infant potentially having growth problems and suggest solutions.
Main text
In general, the scenario reveals that the infant girl has lower-than-average values for all relevant measurements. Her weight does not correlate with her height, being much lower on the percentile chart, which implies that she does not receive enough nourishment. It might affect the infant’s motor functions, so the nurse would have to check if the baby can sit, crawl, and stand (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2020). Mental abilities are also at risk of being stunted, so it is necessary to test the child’s cognition and basic communication (CDC, 2020). Although the head circumference does not necessarily imply any disorders, coupled with the weight insufficiency, it might be a factor in their potential development. Overall, the measurements are concerning and necessitate a check-up for the child’s abilities to ensure that they are not affected.
The recommendations’ scope depends on whether the infant’s development corresponds to the respective milestone, but the weight remains the primary concern. It may be important to determine the causes of poor gains, but any treatment should include nutritional therapy and changing breastfeeding habits (Rogers & Blisset, 2017). Such aspects as feeding environment, family relationships, and food preparation might also need alterations (Gretchen, 2016). If any developmental delays were discovered, it is essential to screen them more meticulously later and begin the intervention process (Vitrikas et al., 2017). Thus, the suggested recommendations are based on studies conducted in the field and may assist in resolving the issue.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a so-called failure to thrive may lead to severe consequences in an infant’s health and development. Its causes are complex, ranging from prenatal to external factors, and parents might not even realize that the issue exists until the measurements are conducted. The treatment implies changes in nutritional components and habits, and a family might have to reconsider their relationships and environment, which may play a detrimental role.
References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). Important milestones: Your baby by nine months. Web.
Gretchen, J. H. (2016). Failure to thrive: A practical guide. American Family Physician, 94(4), 295-299.
Rogers, S. L., & Blissett, J. (2017). Breastfeeding duration and its relation to weight gain, eating behaviours and positive maternal feeding practices in infancy. Appetite, 108, 399–406.
Vitrikas, K. R., Savard, D., & Bucaj, M. (2017). Developmental delay: When and how to screen. American Family Physician, 96(1), 36-43. Web.