UNDER FIVE ASSESSMENTS – Purposes, Symbol of Under Five Clinics, Equipment Needed and Procedure (COMMUNITY HEALTH NURSING)
Updated 2024
Under five clinic is also called the well-baby clinic that offers preventive and promotive services for the benefit of the under-five or preschool children
PURPOSES
- To provide carafe during illness
- To provide adequate nutrition
- To immunize the child at right time
- To plan and prepare for family planning
- To provide health teaching or education to promote health
- To assess the growth and development of children
SYMBOL OF UNDER FIVE CLINICS
- Care in illness
- Adequate nutrition
- Immunization
- Family planning
- Health teaching/education
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
- Weighing machine
- Inch tape, Snellen’s eye chart
- Shakir tape to measure midarm circumference
- Nutrition cups, infantometer to measure the length of infant
- Flash cards or posters and records or health chart
PROCEDURE
- Wash hands and warm
- Keep ready with the articles such as inch tape, shakir tape, nutrition cups
- Explain the procedure to the parent or the group
- Weight the infant using weight balance or Bar scale weighing machine or path weighing machine
- Check the height by using inch tape, use infantometer, if the child’s age is below 2 years
- Record the height and weight in the chart inform to their parents
- Measure the chest and head circumference and record
- Anthropometry should be entered in health record
- General physical examination can be done by the nurse to rule out any abnormalities
- Rule out any refracting errors among children by using Snellen’s chart
NURSING PROCEDURES LIST CLICK HERE
“Under Five Assessments” typically refers to a set of key evaluations used in public health to assess the health status of children under the age of five years. Here are some key points related to these assessments:
- Nutritional Status: This assessment evaluates the nutritional status of children under five, focusing on parameters such as weight, height, and mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC). Malnutrition, including undernutrition and overnutrition, can significantly impact a child’s health and development.
- Immunization Status: It’s crucial to assess whether children under five have received all recommended vaccinations according to the immunization schedule. Immunizations protect against a range of infectious diseases, preventing illness and potentially life-threatening complications.
- Growth and Development: Monitoring growth and development milestones is essential for early detection of developmental delays or health issues. Assessments may include motor skills, language development, cognitive abilities, and social-emotional development.
- Health Status: This involves assessing the overall health of children under five, including identifying any acute or chronic illnesses, infections, or conditions that may require medical attention. Regular health check-ups can help in early detection and management of health issues.
- Access to Healthcare: Assessing access to healthcare services is crucial to ensure that children under five have access to essential healthcare services, including preventive care, treatment for illnesses, and maternal and child health services. Barriers to access, such as distance, cost, and availability of healthcare facilities, need to be identified and addressed.
These assessments play a vital role in monitoring the health and well-being of children under five, guiding interventions and policies aimed at improving child health outcomes and reducing child mortality rates.
