Consider the following patient scenario:
A mother comes in with 9-month-old girl. The infant is 68.5cm in length (25th percentile per CDC growth chart), weighs 6.75kg (5th percentile per CDC growth chart), and has a head circumference of 43cm (25th percentile per CDC growth chart).
Describe the developmental markers a nurse should assess for a 9-month-old female infant. Discuss the recommendations you would give the mother. Explain why these recommendations are based on evidence-based practice.
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction: As a medical professor and evaluator, I consider the assessment of developmental markers as an important aspect of nursing pediatric patients. In this scenario, the 9-month-old female infant presents with physical parameters, and it is vital to evaluate her developmental markers to ensure that she is healthy and growing appropriately.
One of the developmental markers that a nurse should assess for a 9-month-old female infant is her cognitive development. At this age, the infant should be able to recognize faces and familiar people, respond to her name, and show interest in toys and objects. The nurse should assess if the infant reacts to visual and auditory stimuli, follows objects and faces with her eyes, and responds appropriately to new and familiar environments.
Another developmental marker is the infant’s motor skills. The nurse should evaluate the infant’s ability to roll over, sit up without support, crawl, and stand with support. The mother should be encouraged to provide adequate opportunities for the infant to perform the above activities, which help to strengthen muscle coordination, balance, and promote motor development.
The recommendations for the mother include exclusive breastfeeding up to six months and timely introduction of complementary food. The mother should be advised to provide a safe and stimulating environment that promotes the infant’s social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development. Regular follow-up and health checkups are essential to determine the infant’s growth and development.
These recommendations are based on evidence-based practice that aims to promote the healthy growth and development of the infant. Research studies have demonstrated that exclusive breastfeeding up to six months reduces the risk of gastrointestinal and respiratory infections, allergies, and sudden infant death syndrome. Timely introduction of complementary food provides the infant with essential nutrients for growth and development. Providing a safe and stimulating environment promotes the development of social and emotional skills, language, and cognitive development. Regular follow-up and health checkups help to identify any developmental delays early on, thus improving the prognosis and outcomes for the infant.
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