Non-organic Failure to Thrive Flashcards

Study Notes

Organic and Non-Organic Failure to Thrive

Organic causes are linked to medical issues including chromosomal abnormalities, defects in heart or lung function, CNS damage, and toxin exposure.
Non-organic causes relate to psychosocial factors such as child neglect, poor parenting skills, and parental mental health history.

Factors Contributing to Non-Organic Failure to Thrive

Influences include poverty, maternal depression, inadequate social support, poor bonding between parent and child, and maladaptive interactions.
Infants may exhibit signs like irritability and resistance to touch.

Manifestations of Non-Organic Failure to Thrive

Weight measurement below the 5th percentile indicates serious growth concerns.
A sudden drop in the growth curve, delays in developmental milestones, and decreased muscle mass are critical signs.

Additional Signs

Physical symptoms can include muscle hypotonia, abdominal distention, generalized weakness, and cachexia (severe malnutrition).

Behavioral Indicators

Children may demonstrate avoidance behaviors such as lack of eye contact, withdrawal from physical touch, and signs of anxiety around strangers.
Various repetitive or soothing behaviors may include rocking, head banging, intense sucking, chewing on fingers, and head rolling.

Diagnosis

Non-organic failure to thrive is diagnosed when no organic causes are found and consistent nurturing leads to weight gain in the infant.

Treatment Approaches

Treatment focuses on nutritional therapy aimed at achieving growth rates of 2-3 times the average for the child's age.
Caloric enrichment, daily multivitamins, potential concentration of formula (up to 24 calories per ounce), family therapy, and parenting classes are key components.

Multidisciplinary Approach

A team of healthcare professionals is essential in addressing the complexities of non-organic failure to thrive.

Parental Interviews

Important questions for parents should cover food availability, sources of income, and food storage/preparation facilities.

Assessment of Infant-Parent Interactions

Assessment should prioritize how the child is held and fed while observing eye contact and facial expressions shared between parent and child.

Ideal Interaction Dynamics

Interactions should include play, verbal communication, and physical touch, with nurses observing parental responses to the child’s cues, particularly during crying.

Role Modeling and Teaching

Teaching appropriate adult-child interactions—comprising holding, touching, and feeding—is crucial for fostering effective parent-child relationships and enhancing parental confidence in caregiving.

Description

Explore key terms and definitions related to non-organic failure to thrive. This quiz provides insight into the psychosocial factors impacting child development and the distinctions between organic and non-organic causes. Test your knowledge with these essential flashcards.