Physical indicators of nonorganic failure to thrive

include weight below the 5th percentile, a sudden or rapid deceleration in the growth curve, delay in reaching developmental milestones, and decreased muscle mass. Muscle hypotonia, abdominal distention, generalized weakness, and cachexia (general ill health and malnutrition) are additional signs.

Behavioral indicators of failure to thrive

include avoidance of eye contact, avoidance of physical touch, intense watchfulness, and sleep disturbances. Lack of age-appropriate stranger anxiety, inappropriate lack of preference for one's own parents, and disturbed affect (e.g., apathy, extreme irritability, extreme compliance) may also be observed. Repetitive self-stimulating behaviors, such as rocking, head banging, intense sucking, intense chewing on fingers or hands, and head rolling, are also seen.

	Created by Kalyn S over 6 years ago

Nursing Note on Failure to Thrive, created by Kalyn S on 12/03/2018.

Failure to Thrive