1 CASE STUDY: ASSESSMENT OF NUTRITION IN CHILDREN

1 CASE STUDY: ASSESSMENT OF NUTRITION IN CHILDREN

INTRODUCTION

The health of children is of utmost importance to parents, caregivers, and society as a whole. As an experienced healthcare practitioner, it is my responsibility to assess and provide recommendations for children's health. In this case study, I am presented with a 15-year-old Caucasian female high school student who is underweight and suffers from anxiety. She lives in a dorm with her normal weight roommate. My purpose in this assessment is to identify the relevant health issues and risks associated with this child's underweight status and develop a plan to improve her health. Health Issues and Risks and Additional Information Needed The 15-year-old underweight female high school student with anxiety is at a high risk of developing health issues and complications. Her underweight status could lead to malnutrition, weakened immune system, delayed growth and development, anemia, and reduced bone density. These health issues could impact her physical health, mental health, and overall wellbeing. According to a study byPedretti et al., (2023),being underweight can lead to a higher risk of morbidity and mortality, particularly due to weakened immune systems and malnutrition. In addition, anxiety and stress can cause disruptions in the body's normal functioning, leading to health problems such as digestive issues, insomnia, and decreased appetite. As a healthcare provider, I would need to gather more information in order to further assess the patients weight related health. For instance, I would need to gather a comprehensive medical history of the patient including her dietary habits and activity level. This would help me assess her nutritional status. In addition, I would also conduct a physical examination to be able to get critical information regarding the patients body composition and any potential medica