A nurse on a pediatric unit is caring for a toddler who has poor dietary intake.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
A.
Encourage the family to be with the child during mealtimes
B.
Obtain the child’s dietary history
C.
Offer the child nutritious snacks between meals
D.
Instruct the family to praise the child when they eat
The correct answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is B. Obtain the child’s dietary history.
Explanation:
When a toddler has poor dietary intake, the first and most crucial step is to understand the underlying reasons for this issue. Obtaining a comprehensive dietary history is essential for several reasons:
- Identifying Patterns and Preferences: By gathering detailed information about the child’s eating habits, preferences, and any recent changes in diet, the nurse can identify if there are specific patterns or issues contributing to poor intake. This includes noting any aversions to certain foods, eating times, and meal environment.
- Assessing Nutritional Deficiencies: The dietary history helps to assess if the child is missing essential nutrients or calories needed for their growth and development. This can reveal if the poor intake is due to a lack of variety, insufficient quantities, or possible food intolerances or allergies.
- Understanding Family Dynamics: It provides insight into the family’s approach to mealtimes, which can influence the child’s eating behavior. Understanding family routines, attitudes towards food, and any feeding challenges can guide the development of a tailored plan to improve dietary intake.
- Formulating a Plan: With the dietary history in hand, the nurse can work with the family to create a customized intervention plan. This might include offering nutritious snacks, encouraging mealtime family involvement, or implementing strategies for positive reinforcement. However, without a thorough understanding of the child’s current dietary habits, these measures may not be as effective.
Other actions listed, such as encouraging family presence during mealtimes, offering nutritious snacks, and using praise, are important strategies but should be considered after understanding the child’s specific dietary needs and challenges. The dietary history serves as the foundation for making informed decisions and implementing effective interventions.