A school-age child presents for a well-child visit with a hemoglobin level of 10 g/dL (100 g/L) and a body mass index of 15 kg/mm2. Which additional assessment should the nurse obtain to help identify a potential cause of these clinical manifestations?
Explanation & Rationale
A: Primary source of water. This assessment might be relevant if there is a concern about lead exposure or other contaminants in the water, which can contribute to anemia. Therefore, while important in certain contexts, it is not the most immediate assessment for these specific clinical manifestations.B: Standard household income. Household income can influence access to nutritious food and overall health. Lower income can lead to food insecurity, poor diet quality, and subsequently, anemia and lower BMI due to inadequate nutrient intake. This can be an indirect but important factor to consider. However, it does not directly assess the child’s dietary intake or specific nutritional deficiencies.C: Family history of eating disorders. Family history of eating disorders might provide insights into potential genetic or environmental predispositions to eating disorders. However, eating disorders are more commonly associated with adolescents and adults rather than school-age children.D: Average daily intake of meals. This is the most directly relevant assessment. Analyzing the child's average daily intake of meals can provide immediate insights into potential nutritional deficiencies that might explain both the low hemoglobin level (anemia) and low BMI. Poor dietary intake, particularly of iron-rich foods, can lead to iron-deficiency anemia and inadequate caloric intake, affecting BMI. This assessment helps identify specific dietary issues that can be addressed directly to improve the child’s health.