An 18-month-old patient is in for a well visit. After the medical assistant weighs the infant and measures their length, the data gets transferred to the electronic health record, which plots the 18-month-old patient’s measurements on the growth chart. The medical assistant shows the patient’s parent that the infant is in the 90th percentile for their weight. The parent is shocked, thinks their baby is overweight, and asks what they should do. How should the medical assistant respond?
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct response is to reassure the parent that a high percentile does not necessarily mean the baby is overweight. The medical assistant should explain that growth charts are used to monitor a child’s development over time, not to label them as overweight or underweight based on a single measurement. The 90th percentile means the infant’s weight is greater than that of 90% of other children their age, but it is important to consider the child’s overall growth pattern and other health indicators. The medical assistant should also explain that growth percentiles are individualized, and a child can be healthy at any percentile as long as they are growing consistently along their own curve.
The medical assistant should also offer to discuss the child’s growth with the healthcare provider during the visit. If there are concerns about the infant’s weight or overall health, the provider may recommend additional evaluation. It is important to highlight that infants and toddlers grow at different rates, and some may be larger or smaller than their peers but still perfectly healthy.
Additionally, the medical assistant should stress the importance of a balanced diet and regular physical activity as the child grows. Offering healthy food choices and ensuring the child is active can support their development. However, there is no need for drastic measures unless the healthcare provider identifies any health concerns during the visit.
Ultimately, the medical assistant’s role is to provide support and information that helps the parent feel confident in their child’s health, and to ensure that the child’s growth is monitored appropriately for any changes.