Nutrition and Growth in Children: A Nursing Perspective – A Case Report

Abstract

Background: Nutrition is foundational to a child’s growth and development, particularly during infancy when the demand for energy and nutrients is highest. This case report highlights the critical role of nursing intervention in managing growth faltering in a 2-month-old infant with congenital heart disease.

Case Presentation: The infant, born at term and initially breastfed, presented with poor weight gain, fatigue during feeding, and developmental concerns. Physical examination and growth chart analysis confirmed underweight and stunting. A comprehensive nursing assessment identified inadequate nutritional intake, increased metabolic demands, and parental knowledge gaps as key contributing factors.

Nursing Interventions: Individualized care included the initiation of a high-calorie feeding regimen, structured health education for caregivers, frequent anthropometric monitoring, and collaboration with pediatric and dietary teams.

Outcome: Over time, the infant showed improved weight gain, enhanced feeding tolerance, and developmental progress. The parents reported increased confidence and adherence to the nutritional plan.

Conclusion: This case emphasizes the importance of early nursing assessment and targeted interventions in addressing pediatric malnutrition. Nurse-led strategies, including growth monitoring, education, and collaborative care, are vital for improving health outcomes in nutritionally at-risk children.