Routine growth monitoring and assessment of growth disorders

Pediatric nurse practitioners have an important role in the routine monitoring of growth and the assessment of growth disorders. The development of good history-taking skills and an accurate, repeatable measurement technique are central to the success of growth assessment and evaluation. Numerous causes exist for growth disorders. The pediatric nurse practitioner can be instrumental in identifying these disorders and in making appropriate referral to a pediatric endocrinologist for further evaluation and treatment.