CASE STUDY ASSIGNMENT: ASSESSMENT OF NUTRITION IN CHILDREN
When seeking to identify a patient’s health condition, advanced practice nurses can use a diverse selection of diagnostic tests and assessment tools; however, different factors affect the validity and reliability of the results produced by these tests or tools. Nurses must be aware of these factors in order to select the most appropriate test or tool and to accurately interpret the results.
Not only do these diagnostic tests affect adults, body measurements can provide a general picture of whether a child is receiving adequate nutrition or is at risk for health issues. These data, however, are just one aspect to be considered. Lifestyle, family history, and culture—among other factors—are also relevant. That said, gathering and communicating this information can be a delicate process.
For this Assignment, you will explore how you could effectively gather information and encourage parents and caregivers to be proactive about their children’s health and weight.
Assignment (3–4 pages, not including title and reference pages):
Assignment: Child Health Case : 8 year old overweight male foster child with normal weight foster parents and overweight biological parents
Include the following:
- An explanation of the health issues and risks that are relevant to the child you were assigned.
- Describe additional information you would need in order to further assess his or her weight-related health.
- Identify and describe any risks and consider what further information you would need to gain a full understanding of the child’s health. Think about how you could gather this information in a sensitive fashion.
- Taking into account the parents’ and caregivers’ potential sensitivities, list at least three specific questions you would ask about the child to gather more information.
- Provide at least two strategies you could employ to encourage the parents or caregivers to be proactive about their child’s health and weight.
- 8 year old overweight male foster child with normal weight foster parents and overweight biological parents
ATTACHED IS THE RUBRIC TO BE FOLLOWED FOR F THE ASSIGNMENT
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
The assessment of nutrition in children is a critical aspect of healthcare, and healthcare professionals must possess an understanding of the various factors that influence nutrition. In this case study, we are presented with an 8-year-old male foster child who is overweight, has normal weight foster parents, and overweight biological parents. As a medical professor, I would design an assignment that would require students to assess the child’s weight-related health and determine ways to encourage parents and caregivers to be more proactive about their child’s health and weight.
1. An explanation of the health issues and risks that are relevant to the child you were assigned.
The child’s being overweight predisposes him to several health risks, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, heart diseases, and respiratory conditions, among others. Having overweight biological parents puts the child at a higher risk of inheriting obesity-related genes. Moreover, being a foster child can limit access to nutritional food, making it challenging to maintain adequate nutrition.
2. Describe additional information you would need in further assessing his or her weight-related health.
In addition to body mass index (BMI) measurements, I would need to assess the child’s dietary habits, physical activity level, sleeping patterns, and screen time. A family history of obesity or other weight-related conditions would also be important to consider.
3. Identify and describe any risks and consider what further information you would need to gain a full understanding of the child’s health. Think about how you could gather this information in a sensitive fashion.
One risk is that the child’s weight may worsen over time, leading to a worsening of the health conditions described earlier. Gather information by asking open-ended questions, avoiding blame or judgmental language, and establishing a rapport with parents and caregivers. Requesting previous medical records or dietary logs could also aid in assessing the child’s health status.
4. Taking into account the parents’ and caregivers’ potential sensitivities, list at least three specific questions you would ask about the child to gather more information.
a. Can you describe your child’s typical daily dietary habits?
b. How much physical activity does your child engage in daily?
c. How often does your child consume sugary or high-fat foods and drinks?
5. Provide at least two strategies you could employ to encourage the parents or caregivers to be proactive about their child’s health and weight.
a. Encourage the use of portion control and proper meal planning to ensure a balanced diet.
b. Suggest activities that the child can participate in that promote physical activity while allowing for enjoyment.
Conclusion:
The assessment of a child’s nutrition requires attention to various aspects, and healthcare professionals must be sensitive in gathering information from parents and caregivers. Encouraging parents to be proactive about their child’s health and weight can aid in the prevention and management of health conditions that may arise from poor nutrition.
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