Question

The parents of a 4-year-old boy explain to the clinic nurse that for weeks the child has been irritable and listless and even though he has developed a poor appetite, has gained weight. What signs and symptoms should the nurse look for, and what condition should the nurse suspect? What nursing interventions and parent education are appropriate?

Answer 1

the symptoms to worry about are:

- listless child

- irritable

- gain of weight

- lack of appetite

The child is losing interest and is life less. He has lost enthusiasm and does not like interactions. This shows signs of

The symptoms are of listlessness and lethargy. The child is gaining weight as a result of lack of exercises. Also, he is losing interest in activities and thus gaining weight. Lethargy in children may be as a result of a number of reasons, some of which may be insomnia or fever or lack of sleep, or some forms of phobia.

The nurse requires to identify the real cause of lethargy. The first step should be to check the fever of the child. Also, there could be medications prescribed for relieving the child’s lethargy. Also, analgesics could be given to the child. Also, the child should be given green vegetables for making their immune system stronger. Also, folio acid and sulfate should be given to keep children away from such problems.

It has to be advised to the parents that the child should be asked to engage in regular physical exercises, and that diet should be rotated and not repeated such that the child doesn’t lose their interest. It should be made sure that the child receives a balanced diet.