A nurse is assessing an 11-month-old infant, and notes that the infant's height and weight are at the 5th percentile on the growth chart. Family history reveals that the two siblings are at the 50th percentile for height and at the 75th percentile for weight. Psychosocial history reveals that the parents are separated and are planning to divorce. Which of these nursing diagnoses takes priority?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The priority nursing diagnosis in this scenario is related to parental anxiety affecting the infant's growth. This is because anxiety and stress can affect the quality and quantity of nutrition the infant receives, which can lead to growth impairment. It is important for the nurse to assess and address the parents' anxiety and provide resources for coping with the divorce. Although the infant's height and weight are below the 50th percentile, this alone does not necessarily indicate a growth problem.Nutritional intake cannot be identified as excessive without further assessment. Constitutional growth delay would be an unlikely diagnosis at this age.

A Nurse Is Assessing an 11-Month-Old Infant, and Notes That