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 D
Explanation
A. Psychosocial environment is incorrect because while a stimulating and supportive environment can influence growth indirectly, the primary concern for minimal weight gain and fatigue in an infant is related to intake and nutritional status rather than parental interaction or emotional factors alone.
B. Genetics is incorrect because both parents are of average height, suggesting that hereditary factors are unlikely to explain poor weight gain in this infant. Genetic potential affects height and weight trends but would not typically cause sudden minimal weight gain and fatigue.
C. Daycare setting is incorrect because while meal patterns and activity level at daycare could influence intake, the report of decreased appetite and fatigue suggests a direct nutritional or health issue rather than environmental influence alone.
D. Nutrition is correct because insufficient caloric or nutrient intake is the most likely cause of poor weight gain, low energy, and fatigue in a 9-month-old. At this age, infants rely on adequate nutrition from breast milk, formula, or complementary foods to support rapid growth and development.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Painful, enlarged lymph nodes is incorrect because in Hodgkin disease, the lymph node enlargement is usually painless. Painful nodes are more commonly associated with infections or inflammatory conditions, where the immune response triggers tenderness and discomfort. In Hodgkin disease, the cancerous lymphocytes infiltrate the nodes without causing acute inflammatory pain.
B. Enlarged, firm, nontender lymph nodes is correct. The classic presentation of Hodgkin disease is the presence of firm, rubbery, nontender lymphadenopathy, most often in the cervical, supraclavicular, or mediastinal regions. The nodes are typically mobile early in the disease but may become fixed as the disease progresses. This type of lymphadenopathy is usually gradual and persistent, often discovered incidentally by the patient or during a routine exam. The nontender nature is a key distinguishing feature from infectious lymphadenopathy.
C. Petechiae is incorrect because petechiae result from thrombocytopenia or coagulation disorders, not Hodgkin disease. While advanced Hodgkin lymphoma may eventually affect the bone marrow and platelet production, petechiae are not an early or common manifestation.
D. Bone and joint pain is incorrect because this is not a typical presenting symptom of Hodgkin disease. Bone involvement may occur only in advanced stages, usually with other systemic symptoms.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.