BNU2363 Paediatric Nursing: Failure To Thrive (FTT)

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering definitions, diagnostic criteria, types, and nursing management of Failure to Thrive (FTT) based on paediatric nursing lecture notes.

Failure to Thrive (FTT)

A symptom, also known as "weight faltering" or "growth deficit," resulting from inadequate calorie absorption, excessive calorie expenditure, or inadequate intake of calories, where the child fails to gain weight and shows signs of delayed development.

FTT Weight Percentile Criteria

Weight below the 3rd or 5th percentile on an appropriate growth chart on more than 1 consecutive occasion.

FTT Ideal Weight Criterion

Weight that is less than $80\%$ of the ideal weight for age.

Mild Malnutrition (FTT Z-scores)

Defined by a Weight-for-height/BMI Z-score of $-1 \text{ to } -1.9$, weight gain velocity $< 75\%$ expected for infants $< 2$ years, and weight loss of $5\%$ body weight for children $\ge 2$ years.

Moderate Malnutrition (FTT Z-scores)

Defined by a Weight-for-height/BMI Z-score of $-2 \text{ to } -2.9$, weight gain velocity $< 50\%$ expected for infants $< 2$ years, and weight loss of $7.5\%$ body weight for children $\ge 2$ years.

Severe Malnutrition (FTT Z-scores)

Defined by a Weight-for-height/BMI Z-score of $\le -3$, weight gain velocity $< 25\%$ expected for infants $< 2$ years, and weight loss of $10\%$ body weight for children $\ge 2$ years.

Small for Gestational Age (SGA)

A condition where the baby is smaller than expected during birth.

Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR)

A condition where the baby did not grow well during pregnancy, which can be caused by maternal, placental, or fetal factors.

Asymmetric FTT

A growth pattern where weight drops first while length and head size are relatively preserved, suggesting nutritional problems, placental insufficiency, or late pregnancy problems.

Symmetric FTT

A growth pattern where weight, length, and head circumference are all proportionally small, suggesting genetic causes, chromosomal abnormalities, TORCH infections, or fetal alcohol syndrome.

Organic FTT

Failure to thrive caused by physical defects or conditions such as premature birth, metabolic abnormalities, malabsorption, or mechanical problems.

Inorganic FTT

Failure to thrive caused by non-medical or psychosocial factors such as poor feeding skills, dysfunctional family interactions, child neglect, or emotional deprivation.

Clinical Manifestations (Physical Skills)

Decreased ability in developmental milestones such as rolling over, sitting, standing, and walking, often accompanied by growth that has slowed or stopped.

Psychosocial Symptoms of FTT

Behaviors including minimal smiling, avoidance of eye contact, irritability, lethargy, and being unresponsive.

Denver Developmental Screening Test

A diagnostic evaluation tool used to assess gross motor, language, and fine motor-adaptive skills in children suspected of developmental delays associated with FTT.

Nursing Care Plan Aims for FTT

The primary goals are to provide adequate nutrition, promote growth and development, and assist caregivers in developing nurturing skills.

Hepatomegaly in FTT

A physical finding with potential underlying causes of infection, chronic illness, or malnutrition.

Imbalanced nutrition: less than body requirements

A nursing diagnosis for FTT related to insufficient intake of calories.