P.B.B.Sc.-JANUARY-2017-CHILD HEALTH (paper no.1)-saurashtra university(gujarat)
SECTION – 1
1.Essay type question : (Any One) 2+5+8-15
(a) Define growth and development
Define Growth :-
The growth of the body refers to the physical development and increase in size that occurs as an individual progresses from infancy through childhood, adolescence, and into adulthood. It involves various processes such as cell division, tissue formation, bone elongation, and muscle development, which are regulated by hormones, genetics, nutrition, and environmental factors. Growth typically includes increases in height, weight, and overall body mass, as well as the maturation and development of organs and systems within the body.
Define Developement :-
process of growth and maturation that occurs in children from birth through adolescence. It encompasses physical, cognitive, emotional, and social changes that occur as a child progresses through various stages of life. Pediatric development is often assessed using milestones, which are specific skills or abilities that most children can achieve by a certain age range. These milestones include things like sitting up, walking, speaking, and interacting with others.
growth and development continues after birth, and includes both physical and psychological development that is influenced by genetic, hormonal, environmental and other factors.
(b) Write the principle of growth and development
(c) Describe growth and development of toddler in detail
Growth and development in toddlers is a dynamic process that encompasses physical, cognitive, social, and emotional milestones. Here’s a detailed overview:
Physical Development:
Cognitive Development:
Social and Emotional Development:
Nutritional Needs:
Sleep Patterns:
Overall, the toddler stage is a period of rapid growth and exploration, characterized by significant milestones across various domains of development. Parents and caregivers play a crucial role in supporting and nurturing their child’s development during this exciting time.
OR
1 (a) Define pneumonia
Pneumonia in pediatrics refers to an infection of the lungs or lungs parenchyma that primarily affects children. It can be caused by various pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and rarely, parasites. Pneumonia typically results in inflammation of the lung tissue, leading to symptoms such as cough, fever, difficulty breathing, chest pain, and fatigue. In pediatric cases, symptoms may vary depending on the child’s age, underlying health conditions, and the specific causative agent
(b) Write the causes of pneumonia
Pneumonia in pediatric patients can have various causes, including:
Identifying the specific cause of pneumonia in a pediatric patient often requires a combination of clinical evaluation, laboratory tests, and imaging studies. Treatment may vary depending on the cause, severity, and individual characteristics of the child. Antibiotics are typically prescribed for bacterial pneumonia, while supportive care is often sufficient for viral pneumonia.
(c) Write nursing management of pneumonia
The nursing management of pneumonia in pediatric patients involves several key components to ensure effective treatment and support. Here are some essential aspects:
1. Assessment: Nurses conduct a thorough assessment of the child’s respiratory status, including monitoring vital signs, oxygen saturation levels, respiratory rate, and auscultating lung sounds for abnormalities such as crackles or wheezing.
2. Monitoring: Continuous monitoring of the child’s respiratory status is crucial. This includes observing for signs of respiratory distress, such as increased work of breathing, nasal flaring, or chest retractions.
3. Oxygen Therapy: Administering oxygen therapy as needed to maintain adequate oxygenation levels. This may involve the use of oxygen masks, nasal cannulas, or high-flow nasal cannula systems.
4. Hydration: Ensuring adequate hydration is essential to help loosen and mobilize respiratory secretions. Nurses monitor fluid intake and output and may administer intravenous fluids if necessary.
5. Antibiotic Administration: Administering antibiotics as prescribed by the healthcare provider to treat the underlying bacterial infection causing pneumonia. Nurses ensure timely administration and monitor for any adverse reactions.
6. Fever Management: Administering antipyretic medications to reduce fever and discomfort, following the healthcare provider’s orders. Additionally, implementing comfort measures such as tepid sponge baths or using cooling blankets can help reduce fever.
7. Positioning: Encouraging proper positioning to facilitate optimal lung expansion and ventilation. This may involve positioning the child in an upright or semi-Fowler’s position to improve breathing comfort.
8. Nutritional Support: Ensuring adequate nutrition is provided to support the child’s immune system and energy needs during illness. Nurses may offer small, frequent meals or nutritional supplements as needed.
9. Respiratory Support: Providing respiratory support as necessary, which may include administering bronchodilators to relieve bronchospasm or providing chest physiotherapy to help mobilize secretions.
10. Education and Support: Providing education to the child’s family about the importance of completing the full course of antibiotics, recognizing signs of worsening respiratory distress, and seeking prompt medical attention if necessary. Additionally, offering emotional support to both the child and family members during hospitalization.
Overall, the nursing management of pneumonia in pediatric patients involves a comprehensive approach aimed at optimizing respiratory function, managing symptoms, and supporting the child’s overall well-being throughout the illness. Collaboration with other members of the healthcare team, including physicians, respiratory therapists, and pharmacists, is essential to ensure coordinated care and optimal outcomes for the child.
2 .Short Notes: (Any Three)3×5-15
(a) Types of play
Functional Play:
◾This is the simplest form of play where children engage in repetitive actions with objects, such as banging blocks together, filling and emptying containers, or pushing toy cars.
◾Functional play helps children understand cause and effect relationships and develop basic motor skills.
Parallel Play:
◾ Common among toddlers, parallel play involves children playing alongside each other without interacting directly.
◾They may use similar toys or engage in similar activities, but there is minimal communication or cooperation. Parallel play allows children to observe and learn from each other while still maintaining independence.
Imitative Play:
◾Children mimic the actions and behaviors of others, often imitating adults or older children.
◾This type of play helps children learn social norms, roles, and expectations, as well as develop language skills through imitation of speech and gestures.
4. Exploratory Play:
◾ Similar to the general type of exploratory play mentioned earlier, this involves children exploring their environment, objects, and materials through sensory experiences. It encourages curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving skills as children discover the properties and possibilities of different objects and textures.
◾ Also known as pretend play, symbolic play involves using imagination to create imaginary scenarios and roles.
◾ Children might engage in role-playing activities, such as playing house, pretending to be superheroes, or having a tea party.
◾ Symbolic play promotes language development, creativity, and social skills as children negotiate roles and scenarios with others.
◾ Like the general type of constructive play mentioned earlier, this involves children building and creating using various materials such as blocks, Legos, or art supplies.
◾Constructive play fosters spatial awareness, problem-solving abilities, and fine motor skills as children manipulate objects to bring their ideas to life.
◾This advanced form of pretend play involves children engaging in elaborate role-playing scenarios with peers, often incorporating props, costumes, and complex storylines. Sociodramatic play encourages cooperation, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills as children collaborate to enact their imaginary worlds.
These types of play are crucial for children’s overall development, providing opportunities for learning, creativity, social interaction, and emotional expression.
(b) Internationally accepted Rights of Children
Internationally Accepted Rights of the children.
👉 The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) outlines a comprehensive set of rights for children.
◾Children have the right to be treated equally, regardless of race, color, gender, language, religion, nationality, disability, or any other status.
◾The best interests of the child should be a primary consideration in all decisions and actions concerning children.
◾Children have the inherent right to life and to enjoy the highest attainable standard of health.
◾States should ensure access to healthcare, clean water, nutrition, and a safe environment to promote their survival and development.
◾Children have the right to a name, nationality, and family ties. States should ensure birth registration and take measures to prevent separation from their parents, except when it is in the child’s best interests.
◾Children have the right to freedom of expression, including the freedom to seek, receive, and impart information and ideas of all kinds, through any media.
◾ Children have the right to access quality education that is free, compulsory, and appropriate to their age and needs.
◾ Education should promote the development of the child’s personality, talents, and mental and physical abilities.
◾Children have the right to be protected from all forms of physical or mental violence, injury, abuse, neglect, maltreatment, and exploitation.
◾This includes protection from trafficking, child labor, and harmful traditional practices.
◾Children have the right to privacy, including protection from unlawful interference with their privacy, family, home, and correspondence.
◾ Children have the right to engage in play, recreational activities, and cultural life appropriate to their age and to participate freely in cultural and artistic activities.
◾ Children have the right to participate in decisions that affect them, and their views should be given due weight according to their age and maturity.
👉These rights are enshrined in the UNCRC, which is the most widely ratified human rights treaty in history, with almost every country in the world being a party to it.
(c) Under five Clinic
Definition of under five clinic
◾Under-5 clinics, also known as well-child clinics or pediatric clinics, are healthcare facilities specifically designed to provide comprehensive care for children under the age of five.
◾Under-5 clinics focus on preventive care, monitoring growth and development, and early detection of health issues in young children.
◾They aim to promote optimal health and well-being during the critical early years of a child’s life.
◾Well-baby check-ups are typically scheduled at regular intervals, such as one month, two months, four months, six months, nine months, twelve months, eighteen months, and twenty-four months, with less frequent visits as the child grows older.
◾Under-5 clinics are staffed by healthcare professionals trained in pediatrics, including pediatricians, nurses, nurse practitioners, and other allied health professionals.
◾Parents are encouraged to actively participate in their child’s healthcare by attending appointments, asking questions, expressing concerns, and following recommendations for preventive care and health promotion.
◾ Under-5 clinics may also engage in community outreach activities to promote awareness of child health issues, provide education to caregivers, and facilitate access to healthcare services for underserved populations.
Overall, under-5 clinics play a crucial role in promoting the health and well-being of young children by providing comprehensive healthcare services, preventive care, and parental support during the critical early years of development.
(D) Role of paediatric Nurse In caring for Hospitalized Child
Pediatric nurses play a vital role in caring for hospitalized children, providing comprehensive and compassionate care to meet their unique physical, emotional, and developmental needs.
◾ Pediatric nurses conduct thorough assessments of hospitalized children, including vital signs, physical examination, and assessment of pain levels.
◾They monitor the child’s condition continuously, observing for any changes or deterioration in health status.
◾Pediatric nurses administer medications to children according to prescribed dosages and schedules.
◾ They ensure accurate medication administration, monitor for potential side effects or adverse reactions, and provide education to parents or caregivers about medications.
◾Pediatric nurses perform various clinical procedures as needed, such as venipuncture for blood tests, insertion of intravenous (IV) catheters, urinary catheterization, wound care, and tracheostomy care.
◾They ensure procedures are conducted safely and with minimal discomfort to the child.
◾Pediatric nurses advocate for the best interests of the child, ensuring their needs and preferences are considered in all aspects of care.
◾They communicate with healthcare team members, parents, and other caregivers to address concerns, clarify information, and ensure the child’s voice is heard.
◾Hospitalization can be stressful and frightening for children and their families. Pediatric nurses provide emotional support and reassurance to children and parents, helping them cope with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty.
◾They create a nurturing and supportive environment to promote healing and well-being.
◾ Pediatric nurses educate parents and caregivers about the child’s condition, treatment plan, and self-care strategies. They provide guidance on nutrition, hygiene, safety measures, and home care instructions to promote the child’s recovery and prevent complications.
◾Pediatric nurses advocate for child safety within the hospital environment, implementing measures to prevent falls, injuries, infections, and other hazards.
◾ They ensure adherence to infection control protocols, safe handling of equipment, and proper use of restraints when necessary.
◾Pediatric nurses embrace a family-centered approach to care, recognizing the importance of involving parents and family members in decision-making and care activities.
◾They facilitate family visits, encourage parental involvement in caregiving tasks, and support families in maintaining a sense of normalcy during hospitalization.
◾Pediatric nurses collaborate with community healthcare providers and support services to ensure continuity of care for children transitioning from hospital to home or other care settings.
◾ They provide discharge planning, follow-up instructions, and referrals to community resources to promote ongoing health and well-being.
In summary, pediatric nurses play a crucial role in caring for hospitalized children by providing skilled clinical care, emotional support, advocacy, education, and collaboration within a multidisciplinary team.
(e) Benefits of breast feeding
Less illness
Babies who are fed breastmilk have a lower risk of:
◾Gastrointestinal infections (e.g. diarrhoea and vomiting)
◾Atopic disease (including eczema and asthma)
◾Middle ear infections
◾Urinary tract infections
◾Respiratory infections
◾Obesity in childhood and later life
◾Type 1 and 2 diabetes in childhood or later life
Some childhood cancers
Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
◾Breastfed babies are also less likely to be hospitalised for illnesses and infections.
👉 Growth and development
◾Breastmilk contains important components to protect and build the baby’s immature immune system.
◾Breastmilk is more easily digested than infant formulas, and changes from feed to feed to suit each baby’s unique needs, making it the ideal food to promote healthy growth and development.
👉Psychological benefits
The close interaction and frequent skin-to-skin contact during breastfeeding can enhance bonding and emotional attachment between mother and baby.
👉For the mother
Research shows that breastfeeding has significant health benefits for mothers.
Breastfeeding:
◾Assists the uterus to return to its pre-pregnant state faster
◾Can help women to lose weight after baby’s birth
◾May reduce the risk of mothers with gestational diabetes developing type 2 diabetes
◾Reduces the risk of ovarian cancer and pre-menopausal breast cancer
◾May reduce the risk of osteoporosis.
For society
Environmentally friendly
✨Breastmilk has no waste products and leaves no carbon footprint.
👉Economical
◾Breastmilk does not cost money, and the decreased risk of illness results in reduced hospital admissions and healthcare costs.
◾its of Breastfeeding for Both Mom and Baby
3.Very Short Answer: (Any Four) 4 x2 = 8
Define following Terms
(a) Ventricle Septal Defect
Ventricular septal defect (VSD) is a congenital heart defect where there’s an abnormal opening in the wall (septum) between the heart’s lower chambers (ventricles), allowing blood to flow between them.
Symptoms of serious heart problems present at birth (congenital heart defects) often appear during the first few days, weeks or months of a child’s life.
Symptoms of a ventricular septal defect (VSD) depend on the size of the hole and if there are any other heart problems.
(b) Oesophageal Atresia
Esophageal atresia is a birth defect in which part of a baby’s esophagus (the tube that connects the mouth to the stomach) does not develop properly. Esophageal atresia is a birth defect of the swallowing tube (esophagus) that connects the mouth to the stomach.
This results in a gap or blockage in the esophagus, making it difficult or impossible for food and fluids to pass from the mouth to the stomach.
(c) Encopresis
Encopresis is a childhood disorder characterized by the repeated passage of feces into inappropriate places, such as clothing or the floor, typically after the age when bowel control is normally established (usually around 4 years old).
It’s often associated with chronic constipation and stool withholding behavior.
(d) Bulimia Nervosa
Bulimia nervosa is an eating disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of binge eating, followed by compensatory behaviors such as self-induced vomiting, misuse of laxatives or diuretics, fasting, or excessive exercise.
People with bulimia often have an intense fear of gaining weight and may have a distorted body image.
(e) Cleft Lip & Cleft Palate
Cleft lip and cleft palate are congenital conditions where there are openings or splits in the upper lip and/or roof of the mouth (palate).
Cleft lip can range from a small notch to a large gap that extends into the nose, while cleft palate can vary from a small opening at the back of the mouth to a complete separation of the roof of the mouth. These conditions occur during early pregnancy when the tissue that forms the lip and palate do not fully fuse together.
SECTION -II
1. Essay type question : (Any One) 2×8=10
(A) Define Nephrotic Syndrome
Nephrotic syndrome is a kidney disorder characterized by the presence of certain signs and symptoms, including proteinuria (excessive protein in the urine), hypoalbuminemia (low levels of albumin in the blood), edema (swelling), and hyperlipidemia (high levels of fats in the blood). In pediatric patients, nephrotic syndrome is relatively common and can have various underlying causes
(b) Write the signs & symptoms and Nursing Management of Nephrotic Syndrome
Nephrotic syndrome is a kidney disorder characterized by the presence of certain signs and symptoms, particularly in pediatric patients. Here’s an overview:
Nursing Management :-
OR
(A) Define Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a chronic condition where stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing irritation and inflammation.
This results in symptoms like heartburn, regurgitation, chest pain, and difficulty swallowing.
Long-term GERD can lead to complications such as esophagitis, Barrett’s esophagus, and even esophageal cancer.
(b) Write the signs & symptoms and Nursing Management of Gastroesopliageal Reflux Disease
Answer :-
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in pediatric patients can present with a variety of signs and symptoms, which may vary depending on the age of the child. Here are some common signs and symptoms of GERD in pediatric patients:
It’s essential for caregivers and healthcare providers to recognize these signs and symptoms of GERD in pediatric patients to provide appropriate evaluation and management. If a child exhibits persistent or severe symptoms suggestive of GERD, they should be evaluated by a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.
The nursing management of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in pediatric patients involves several key aspects to alleviate symptoms, prevent complications, and improve the child’s quality of life. Here’s an outline of nursing interventions:
Overall, the nursing management of GERD in pediatric patients involves a holistic approach that addresses feeding, positioning, medication administration, monitoring, education, and support. Collaboration with other members of the healthcare team is essential to ensure coordinated care and optimal outcomes for the child.
2 .Short Notes: (Any Three) 3×5 =15
(a) Neonatal Jaundice
Definition.
Neonatal jaundice is a condition in newborns where there’s an accumulation of bilirubin in the blood, causing yellowing of the skin and eyes. It’s common in newborns due to the immature liver’s inability to process bilirubin efficiently.
👉Causes:
◾Some breastfed infants may experience prolonged jaundice due to substances in breast milk that inhibit bilirubin metabolism. ◾This type of jaundice usually peaks at around 2 weeks of age and resolves within a few weeks.
◾ If the mother’s blood type is incompatible with that of the baby (e.g., Rh or ABO incompatibility), the mother’s antibodies may attack the baby’s red blood cells, causing them to break down more rapidly and leading to increased bilirubin levels.
◾Certain genetic conditions, such as Gilbert syndrome or Crigler-Najjar syndrome, can impair the liver’s ability to process bilirubin, leading to jaundice.
◾This occurs when the mother’s antibodies attack the baby’s red blood cells, leading to their destruction and subsequent release of bilirubin into the bloodstream.
◾Rarely, newborn jaundice may be caused by liver diseases such as biliary atresia or hepatitis, which impair bilirubin metabolism or excretion.
👉Sign and symptoms
Neonatal jaundice, also known as hyperbilirubinemia, is common in newborns due to their immature liver function. Signs and symptoms include:
👉 Nursing Management
Managing neonatal jaundice involves careful monitoring, assessment, and treatment to prevent complications. Here’s a detailed overview of nursing management:
Assessment:
Monitoring:
Phototherapy:
Feeding Support:
Skin Care:
Parent Education:
Follow-up:
Management of Severe Jaundice:
Emotional Support:
Documentation:
By implementing these nursing interventions, neonatal jaundice can be effectively managed, reducing the risk of complications and ensuring the well-being of the newborn.
(b) Meningitis
Definition of meningitis
Meningitis is an inflammation of the meninges, the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
It’s usually caused by an infection, commonly viral or bacterial, and can lead to symptoms such as severe headache, fever, stiff neck, and sensitivity to light.
👉Causes
Meningitis in children can be caused by various factors, including viral and bacterial infections.
Common bacterial causes include Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Haemophilus influenzae type b.
Viral meningitis is often caused by enteroviruses, but other viruses such as herpes simplex virus and mumps virus can also be culprits.
Additionally, fungal and parasitic infections can sometimes lead to meningitis in children, although they are less common.
👉 Sign and symptoms
Signs and symptoms of meningitis can vary depending on the age of the individual and the cause of the infection.
In infants, symptoms may include fever, irritability, poor feeding, and a bulging fontanelle (soft spot on the baby’s head).
In older children and adults, symptoms often include severe headache, fever, stiff neck, sensitivity to light (photophobia), nausea, vomiting, and altered mental status.
A rash, seizures, and coma may also occur in some cases, depending on the underlying cause.
It’s important to seek medical attention promptly if meningitis is suspected, as it can be a serious and potentially life-threatening condition.
👉 Nursing management
The nursing management of meningitis in children involves specialized care tailored to their unique needs. Here are key aspects:
Nursing care for pediatric meningitis requires expertise in pediatric assessment and management, as well as effective communication and collaboration with other members of the healthcare team. It’s essential to provide compassionate care while ensuring the safety and well-being of the child.
(c) Bed Wetting
Definition
Bed-wetting ― also called nighttime incontinence or nocturnal enuresis ― means passing urine without intending to while asleep. This happens after the age at which staying dry at night can be reasonably expected.
👉Symptoms
Most kids are fully toilet trained by age 5, but there’s really no target date for having complete bladder control.
Between the ages of 5 and 7, bed-wetting remains a problem for some children. After 7 years of age, a small number of children still wet the be
Most children outgrow bed-wetting on their own — but some need a little help. In other cases, bed-wetting may be a sign of an underlying condition that needs medical attention.
👉Causes
It’s not known for sure what causes bed-wetting. Several issues may play a role, such as:
◾A small bladder. child’s bladder may not be developed enough to hold all the urine made during the night.
No awareness of a full bladder. If the nerves that control the bladder are slow to mature, a full bladder may not wake your child. This may be especially true if child is a deep sleeper.
◾A hormone imbalance. During childhood, some kids do not produce enough anti-diuretic hormone, also called ADH. ADH slows down how much urine is made during the night.
◾Urinary tract infection. Also called a UTI, this infection can make it hard for child to control the urge to pass urine. Symptoms may include bed-wetting, daytime accidents, passing urine often, red or pink urine, and pain when passing urine.
◾Sleep apnea. Sometimes bed-wetting is a sign of obstructive sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is when a child’s breathing is interrupted during sleep. This is often due to swollen and irritated or enlarged tonsils or adenoids. Other symptoms may include snoring and being sleepy during the day.
◾Diabetes. For a child who’s usually dry at night, bed-wetting may be the first sign of diabetes. Other symptoms may include passing large amounts of urine at once, increased thirst, extreme tiredness and weight loss in spite of a good appetite.
◾Ongoing constipation. A child who is constipated does not have bowel movements often enough, and the stools may be hard and dry. When constipation is long term, the muscles involved in passing urine and stools may not work well. This can be linked to bed-wetting.
◾A problem in the urinary tract or nervous system. Rarely, bed-wetting is related to a difference in the structure of the urinary tract or nervous system.
👉Risk factors
Bed-wetting can affect anyone, but it’s twice as common in boys as in girls.
Several factors have been linked with an increased risk of bed-wetting, including:
◾Stress and anxiety. Stressful events may trigger bed-wetting. Examples include having a new baby in the family, starting a new school or sleeping away from home.
Family history. If one or both of a child’s parents wet the bed as children, their child has an increased chance of wetting the bed, too.
◾Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Bed-wetting is more common in children who have ADHD.
👉Complications
Although frustrating, bed-wetting without a physical cause does not result in any health risks. But bed-wetting can create some issues for your child, including:
◾Guilt and embarrassment, which can lead to low self-esteem.
◾Loss of opportunities for social activities, such as sleepovers and camp.
Nursing Management
(d) Kangaroo Mother Care
Definition
Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) is a method of caring for premature or low birth weight infants, especially in resource-limited settings, where access to traditional neonatal intensive care units may be limited. It involves continuous skin-to-skin contact between the infant and the mother (or another caregiver), typically with the baby positioned upright on the parent’s chest, resembling a kangaroo’s pouch.
👉The key components of KMC include:
The baby is held against the mother’s bare chest, providing warmth, stability, and emotional bonding.
KMC encourages breastfeeding, which provides optimal nutrition and helps in the baby’s growth and development.
KMC allows for early discharge from the hospital, promoting family-centered care and reducing the risk of hospital-acquired infections.
Close monitoring of the baby’s health and growth is essential, along with regular follow-up visits to healthcare providers.
👉 This method offers numerous benefits:
(e) Accident
👉 Dentition
An accident in children refers to an unforeseen event resulting in injury or harm. These can occur at home, school, or during recreational activities.
👉Types
◾ here are some common types of accidents in children in more detail:
👉 Prevention
Prevention of accidental injury in children:
3 .Very Short Answer : (No Choice) 6×2=12
(a) Preschooler
Preschool-age children typically range from about 3 to 5 years old, a time of rapid growth and development.
(b) Autism
Autism, also known as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a developmental disorder that affects communication, social interaction, and behavior. It’s called a spectrum disorder because it manifests differently in each individual, ranging from mild to severe.
Some common characteristics include difficulty with social interactions, repetitive behaviors, limited interests, and challenges with verbal and nonverbal communication.
While the exact cause is still not fully understood, research suggests a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
Early diagnosis and intervention can significantly improve outcomes for individuals with autism, helping them to lead fulfilling lives.
(c) Weaning
Weaning refers to the process of gradually introducing solid foods to a baby’s diet while reducing their dependency on breast milk or formula. Here’s a detailed overview:
Timing: Typically starts around 6 months of age, but it can vary depending on the baby’s readiness
Signs of readiness: These include sitting up with support, showing interest in what others are eating, reaching for food.
Frequency: Begin with one meal a day and gradually increase to three meals, along with breast milk or formula.
Breastfeeding/formula: Continue breastfeeding or formula feeding on demand until at least 12 months of age, gradually transitioning to cow’s milk or alternative milk after the first year.
Safety: Avoid foods that pose choking hazards, such as whole grapes, nuts, popcorn, and large chunks of food. Always supervise the baby during mealtimes.
(d) Worm Infestation
Worm infestation, also known as helminthiasis, occurs when parasitic worms infect the human body.
These worms can enter the body through contaminated food, water, soil, or contact with infected animals or people.
There are different types of parasitic worms that can cause infestations, including roundworms, tapeworms, hookworms, and whipworms.
Symptoms of worm infestation can vary depending on the type of worm involved, but common signs include abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, weight loss, fatigue.
Treatment typically involves medications prescribed by a healthcare professional, such as anthelmintic drugs, which are specifically designed to kill parasitic worms.
(e) Mental Retardation
Definition
“Mental retardation” was a term previously used to describe a significant intellectual impairment characterized by limitations in intellectual functioning and adaptive behavior.
However, it’s now referred to as “intellectual disability.”
◾It encompasses various levels of severity, from mild to profound, affecting an individual’s cognitive abilities, communication, social skills, and daily functioning.
◾Causes can include genetic conditions, brain injuries, prenatal exposure to toxins, or complications during birth.
◾Treatment and support focus on addressing individual needs, promoting independence, and enhancing quality of life.
(f) Low birth Weight baby
Definition
Low birth weight (LBW) babies are those born weighing less than 2,500 grams (5 pounds, 8 ounces). There are two categories of LBW: those weighing between 1,500 and 2,499 grams (3 pounds, 5 ounces to 5 pounds, 8 ounces) are considered moderately low birth weight, while those weighing less than 1,500 grams (3 pounds, 5 ounces) are classified as very low birth weight.
👉 Causes
The causes of low birth weight can vary and may include.
premature birth (born before 37 weeks of gestation),
poor maternal nutrition,
maternal health conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes,
smoking during pregnancy,
multiple pregnancies (twins, triplets, etc.), and genetic factors.
Care for LBW babies often involves close monitoring in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), specialized feeding techniques, and sometimes medical interventions to address specific health issues. With proper medical care and support, many LBW babies can overcome their initial challenges and grow to be healthy children.