The primary care pediatric nurse practitioner is examining a toddler who is below the 3rd percentile for weight even though the parents claim that the child eats "constantly." What will the nurse practitioner do initially?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The first step in evaluating a child with poor weight gain is to assess feeding and elimination behaviors, as well as mealtime routines, to determine if the child is receiving adequate nutrition. This can help identify potential issues and guide further evaluation or treatment. Offering high-calorie foods or supplements without addressing possible underlying issues could be ineffective and potentially harmful. Referral to a feeding evaluation clinic may be appropriate depending on the initial assessment findings.

The Primary Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Is Examining a Toddler