This is the process of identifying and correcting the nutritional disorder of a child with deficiencies, excesses or imbalances in a child’s intake of energy giving food, protein, fat, vitamins and minerals. It is most often seen in children less than 5 years.
Aims
· Correct the nutritional deficiency
· Restore health and development
· Prevent recurrence of malnutrition
· Manage chronic illnesses
· Prevent complications
Types
· Management of Over nutrition
· Management of Undernutrition
· Management of Micro-nutrition
Requirements
· Age-appropriate weighing scale
· Tape measure
· MUAC tape
· Stadiometer/infantometer
· Alcohol rub
· Child health record card/medical record
· Pen
· Percentile/standard deviation charts
· Disinfectant
· Examination gloves
· Cotton swabs
Steps
1. Receive child/caregiver into a comfortable seat
2. Perform five moments of hand hygiene
3. Establish rapport (refer steps)
4. Explain procedure to child/caregiver (refer steps)
5. Provide privacy
6. Incorporate developmentally appropriate strategies in dealing with the child
7. Assist caregiver to remove the child’s diaper and clothing and other accessories (completely undress if the weather is conducive, is ethically sound and culturally acceptable)
8. Calm the child down if agitated
9. Perform ABCD (Anthropometry, Biomedical Investigation, Clinical Signs and Symptoms, Dietary intake/history) nutritional assessment
· Perform anthropometric measurement (refer to anthropometric measurement)
· Assist to conduct Biomedical Investigation /diagnostic investigation (FBC, blood Urea and creatinine, electrolytes, Serum albumin, stool R/E for worm infestation)
· Assess Clinical Signs and Symptoms /head to toe/systemic assessment
· Gather information on Dietary intake or take nutritional history
10. Assist caregiver to dress child to promote warmth
11. Classify type of malnutrition after assessment and intervene accordingly
12. Communicate findings to child/caregiver
13. Express appreciation to child/caregiver for their cooperation
14. Encourage follow up/refer if necessary/conduct home visits as appropriate
15. Document procedure in nurse’s note
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