[Evaluation of defining characteristics of the nutritional nursing diagnosis in children enrolled in a nursery].

OBJECTIVE

To determine the occurrence of the defining characteristics (DC) of nutritional nursing diagnoses (NND), verifying the association between the DC and the variables: gender, age, weight and height.

METHOD: A descriptive study was conducted on 69 children aged between 1 and 4 years old, enrolled in a public nursery. The evaluation tool consisted of a check-list that included DC of NND and the signs and symptoms associated with malnutrition and obesity identified in the literature.

RESULTS

The study sample consisted of 57.9% females, with a mean age of 2.72 years (±0.765). The DC of "Readiness for enhanced nutrition" diagnosis was most frequently observed. A statistically significant association was seen between "follows an appropriate standard for intake" and female gender (P=0.022). Highest age mean was identified in children with clinical indicators p3<weight<p97 and diaphoresis had the highest mean age. On the other hand, capillary fragility was identified in younger children. Children with a lower average weight presented as "follows an appropriate standard for intake" (P=0.047). The diurnal somnolence was more frequent in children with lower average weight (P=0.012).

CONCLUSIONS

The clinical indicators of nutritional diagnosis are associated with anthropometric measurements and it can assist in the early identification of real or potential health problems.