Normal and Abnormal Growth Flashcards
(39 cards)
How far apart are the centiles spaced on growth charts?
2/3 apart
What is plotted on the x axis of growth charts?
Time
How many measures are needed to compare the growth of a child on a growth chart?
At least two = can’t tell normal growth from a single measure
Why is a longitudinal view important when assessing the growth of a child?
Ensures the child is developing and growing over time as they should be
Are babies technically obese?
Yes = babies are born obese and lose weight over the first few years of life, before beginning to gain weight
What impact does birth weight have on future weight gain?
The heavier a baby is when its born, the earlier it will start to gain weight
When is a child considered to be showing normal growth?
Their measurements are within the normal range
Their rate of growth is within the normal range
Is child who is growing normally likely to have an underlying pathology?
No
How many viral infections do toddlers get a year?
12-15 = this is considered normal, and isn’t concerning if the child is growing normally
What does a secular trend of a growth chart refer to?
The change in growth charts over time
What effect has childhood obesity had on growth charts?
Has shifted the curve to the right and increased the tail of the graph
What did the WHO Multicentre Growth Reference Study measure?
How children should grow rather than how children are actually growing
What was the main impact of the WHO Multicentre Growth Reference Study?
Proved that one growth chart could be used for children of all races
What are the rules for measuring weight?
Babies must have no clothes or nappies on Only class III clinical scales in metric setting should be used
What are the rules for measuring head circumference?
Use narrow plastic tape
Measure three times and use the average
Measure at the widest point of the head
When should the length of a child be measured?
Before age 2 if there is concern = no nappy or shoes to be worn
Why does length measurement vary widely?
Depends on mood of the child and the style of measurer
When should height measurement begin?
From age 2
What are the rules for measuring height?
Use rigid rule with T piece
Ensure heels, bottom, back and head are touching apparatus with eyes and ears at 90 degrees
Measure on expiration
No shoes to be worn
What is the average age for onset of puberty?
Age 11 for girls
Boys are 6 months later on average
What is the secretion of GnRH like throughout life?
Stops in first few months after birth and doesn’t begin again until puberty
What is the first indication of puberty onset in boys?
Increase in testicular volume (increase to 4ml)
What is used to stage puberty?
Tanner staging = puberty begins at stage 2
What is the first indication of puberty onset in girls?
Breast development
