Component Task: Home Visit to a Mother or Caregiver with a Malnourished Child

This is a special/routine home visit conducted by the Public/Community health nurse to parents or caregivers of a malnourished child at home.

Aims

·         Ascertain the state of malnutrition

·         Counsel and teach mother on appropriate nutrition

·         Refer for further management

·         Encourage caregiver on regular visit to the Child Welfare Clinic (CWC)

Types

·         Special

·         Routine

Requirements

·         Refer to items in the well-equipped home visiting bag

·         Map of the area/community

·         Records of the client manually/electronically

·         Register of the area/community

·         Arrange for transportation

Steps

1.        Read map of the community

2.      Knock, enter, greet and introduce self

3.      Observe environment for cleanliness, safety and comment

4.      Establish rapport and explain the purpose of the visit

5.      Assess the health needs of the child

6.      Request for the child’s health record booklet and find out about clinic attendance

7.       Check and use items in the home visit bag

8.      Weigh and record the child’s weight

9.      Check the mid upper arm circumference (MUAC)

10.    Wash hands/alcohol hand rub with appropriate technique

11.      Examine child from head to toe

12.    Discuss all findings with parents/caretakers

13.    Interview and counsel on:

·         Types of food to be given

·         Eating habit, proper preparation of the food and responsive feeding

·         Demonstrate food preparation

·         Personal health

·         Regular attendance at CWC and remind mother/caregiver on the next visit

·         Any other concerns

·         Refer to nutrition rehabilitation centre if applicable

14.    Wash hands/alcohol hand rub with appropriate technique

15.    Congratulate mother, record and report findings manually/electronically