Question

 

Addie, age 15, is brought to the school nurse after fainting during gym class. She is grossly underweight, wears baggy clothes, and has dry skin. She complains of feeling cold despite wearing two sweaters. As the nurse examines her perfunctorily, she notices that Addie’s skin seems slightly yellow, and a gentle scrape of her skin shows signs of dehydration.

 

Based on the findings, what is the likely diagnosis?

What are contributing factors?

What would be an appropriate treatment plan? (Include possible medications, interventions, etc.).

List one short term and one long term goal for this client.

Answer 1

She may be suffering from failure to thrive

contributing factors include poor intake, high metabolism rate, malabsorption disorder, children with syndrome such as Down syndrome , infections like parasites. TB, urinary tract infections

Treatment:

• Providing high-calorie foods and may place an infant on a high-calorie formula.
• Child may be prescribed with tube feedings, Liquid nutrition is provided at a steady rate through the tube and is usually given at nighttime only. The child can continue with daily activities and eat freely during the day.
• monitoring the baby for illness or any disorder
• monitor weight gain
• involve other health care team members like social worker, feeding specialist etc
• in case of anemia, child may be prescribed with hematinics and other supplements.

short term goal: a child will start having catch up growth.

long term goal: child will be able to gain weight