A preschooler has been brought to the clinic for a routine check-up. The nurse notes the child has grown approximately 2.5 inches and gained 5 pounds over the past year. The parent expresses concern that the child is not growing as fast as some peers. How should the nurse best respond to address the parent's concern and promote understanding of preschool growth patterns?
Recommend increasing the child's caloric intake significantly to accelerate growth and catch up with peers quickly.
Advise that the child's growth should match exactly the rate of their peers to ensure proper development.
Suggest delaying further growth assessments until the child reaches school age, as preschool growth is too variable to interpret
Explain that preschool growth is typically steady but slower compared to infancy, with average gains of 4 to 5 pounds and 2 to 3 inches per year, which is normal for this stage.
The Correct Answer is D
A. Recommending a significant increase in caloric intake is incorrect because forced or excessive caloric intake can lead to unhealthy weight gain and does not appropriately address normal developmental growth patterns. Preschool growth slows naturally compared to infancy, and nutritional changes should only be made if growth is outside expected ranges.
B. Advising that a child’s growth should exactly match peers is incorrect because normal growth varies among children. Genetics, body type, and overall health influence growth, and children do not grow at identical rates. Comparing strictly to peers can cause unnecessary anxiety for parents.
C. Suggesting delaying further growth assessments is incorrect because regular monitoring of growth is essential during all developmental stages. Preschool growth patterns are well understood and can be accurately evaluated using standardized growth charts.
D. Explaining that preschool growth is typically steady but slower compared to infancy is correct because preschool-aged children usually gain about 4 to 5 pounds and grow 2 to 3 inches per year. The child’s growth of 2.5 inches and 5 pounds falls squarely within expected norms, making this a reassuring and educational response that supports parental understanding.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["1100 mg\/day"," not safe"]
Explanation
Given:
- Patient weight = 22 kg
- Ordered dose = 500 mg IV every 6 hours (4 doses/day)
- Safe dose = 50 mg/kg/day
Step 1: Calculate the maximum safe daily dose
Maximum safe dose = 50 mg/kg/day × 22 kg
50 × 22 = 1100 mg/day
Step 2: Calculate the ordered daily dose
Ordered dose = 500 mg per dose × 4 doses/day
500 × 4 = 2000 mg/day
Step 3: Compare the ordered dose with the maximum safe dose
- Maximum safe dose = 1100 mg/day
- Ordered dose = 2000 mg/day
2000 mg/day > 1100 mg/day → not safe
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Instruct parents to feed the infant large volumes less frequently is incorrect because large feedings increase gastric distention and can worsen reflux. Small, frequent feedings are preferred.
B. Advise parents to allow the infant to sleep on their stomach is incorrect because placing infants on their stomach increases the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and is not recommended. Infants should be placed on their back for sleep.
C. Recommend thickening all infant feedings with cereals is partially correct for some infants, but thickening should be guided by a healthcare provider, as it is not appropriate for all infants and can pose risks if done incorrectly.
D. Educate parents to position the infant at a 30-degree angle for 30 minutes after feeding and avoid propping bottles during feedings is correct because upright positioning after feedings uses gravity to reduce reflux and prevents aspiration. Avoiding bottle propping reduces the risk of choking, overfeeding, and increased reflux episodes.
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