The redefinition of failure to thrive from a case study perspective

Maryanne Locklin1

  • 1Aurora University, George Williams College of Health and Human Services School of Nursing, Aurora, IL, USA.

Pediatric Nursing
|January 18, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Failure to thrive (FTT) is complex, involving physiologic, sensorimotor, and behavioral issues. Modern pediatric nursing recognizes FTT as multifaceted, requiring a multidisciplinary team approach for effective infant care.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Nursing
  • Developmental Pediatrics
  • Child Health

Background:

  • The traditional dichotomy of organic versus non-organic failure to thrive (FTT) is outdated.
  • FTT is increasingly understood as a multifaceted condition with complex etiologies.
  • Modern pediatric care requires a nuanced approach to diagnosing and managing FTT.

Observation:

  • A case study highlights the intricate nature of a pediatric feeding disorder.
  • The infant's condition demonstrated the interplay of physiological, sensorimotor, and behavioral factors.
  • Challenges in care were faced by both healthcare professionals and the infant's family.

Findings:

  • Physiological impairments can significantly affect an infant's ability to gain weight.
  • Sensorimotor deficits contribute to difficulties in feeding and weight gain.
  • Behavioral issues present additional challenges in managing pediatric feeding disorders.

Implications:

  • Pediatric nurses play a crucial role within multidisciplinary teams for pediatric feeding disorders.
  • A comprehensive understanding of FTT is essential for effective patient outcomes.
  • Early and integrated interventions improve the long-term prognosis for infants with feeding disorders.

Related Concept Videos

Nature and Nurture01:10

Nature and Nurture

Many human characteristics, like height, are shaped by both nature—in other words, by our genes—and by nurture, or our environment. For example, chronic stress during childhood inhibits the production of growth hormones and consequently reduces bone growth and height. Scientists estimate that 70-90% of variation in height is due to genetic differences among individuals, and 10-30% of variation in height is due to differences in the environments that individuals experience, such as differences...
Case Studies01:22

Case Studies

There are many research methods available to psychologists in their efforts to understand, describe, and explain behavior and the cognitive and biological processes that underlie it.
Growth versus Fixed Mindset01:24

Growth versus Fixed Mindset

Carol Dweck introduced the term mindset to describe individuals' beliefs about their intellectual and personal capabilities. These beliefs significantly influence psychological processes such as motivation, goal-setting, and perseverance, ultimately shaping academic and life outcomes. Individuals generally possess one of two mindsets- a fixed or a growth mindset—each promoting different responses to success, failure, and challenge.Fixed vs. Growth MindsetA fixed mindset assumes that one's...
Regression Toward the Mean01:52

Regression Toward the Mean

Regression toward the mean (“RTM”) is a phenomenon in which extremely high or low values—for example, and individual’s blood pressure at a particular moment—appear closer to a group’s average upon remeasuring. Although this statistical peculiarity is the result of random error and chance, it has been problematic across various medical, scientific, financial and psychological applications. In particular, RTM, if not taken into account, can interfere when researchers try to extrapolate results...
Social Foundations of Self II: The Generalized Other01:20

Social Foundations of Self II: The Generalized Other

According to George Herbert Mead, as children progress beyond the game stage, they develop a more comprehensive understanding of societal rules and norms. This cognitive and social development enables them to internalize the expectations of the broader community, refining their ability to regulate behavior.Consistent participation in organized activities is crucial in helping children recognize that their actions are not isolated but contribute to a more significant, interconnected group effort.
Influence of Parents and Peers on Identity01:23

Influence of Parents and Peers on Identity

Adolescence is a pivotal period of identity formation, during which individuals begin to answer questions central to their sense of self, such as "Who am I?" and "Who do I hope to become?" Both parents and peers play critical roles in guiding adolescents through this complex developmental phase.
Parental Influence on Identity Development
Parents serve as primary guides and managers in an adolescent's life, offering support instrumental in decision-making and personal growth. This guiding role...