A young woman brings her newborn to the physician's office for a 6-month follow-up exam. The child is underweight and not meeting developmental goals. The nurse expects that the physician will order which of the following for the infant?

Question

1. An assessment by child protective services
2. Physical therapy to promote development
3. Speech therapy
4. Growth hormone

Answer 1

2. Physical therapy to promote development

Rationale:
The physical therapist will assess the infant's developmental level and work with the mother to help the child attain milestones. The physician will look for a physical reason for failure to thrive as well as assessing the parents' understanding of proper nutrition for the infant as well as assessing for signs of abuse and neglect. Child protective services would not be contacted unless abuse and neglect have were found. Speech therapy may be ordered if the child has sucking and swallowing issues, but no evidence of those issues is provided. Prescribing growth hormone is inappropriate before laboratory studies have been obtained.