Question

Donnie has brought his 4-year-old son, Isaac, to the pediatric free clinic for a kindergarten physical. Isaac is the older of two children of Donnie and Mary Smith. Donnie is employed as a farrier but his work does not provide insurance and he has come to a nurse-operated free clinic. Donnie shares that Isaac enjoys spending time with his father when he is working with the horses, but he is concerned that Isaac has an imaginary friend named “Tackle.” On physical examination, Isaac is 39 inches tall and weighs 35 lbs. Donnie is a man of average height (5’9” with a slim build). Donnie is concerned that Isaac may be too small for his age. (Learning Objectives) 1. What can the nurse communicate to Isaac’s father about his physical growth?

Answer 1

Solution: The father should be educated on the significance of the weight to height ratio; in relation to age given that Isaac has a low weight to his age is important to note the family diet, and whether he eats well. Donnie should be advised on running some test on Isaac to rule out any causative aspects of reduced nutrition.

The nurse should advise Donnie on the need for follow up and nutritional boosters like multivitamins should be administered.