Importance of Head Circumference and Length Measurement in Infant Evaluation

Running head: PSYCHOLOGY
Psychology
Name of the Student
Name of the University
Author note

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PSYCHOLOGY
Answer one
From the case study, it can be witnessed that certain parameters were not measured by the
nurse, Jane, like head circumference and length. Head circumference measurement or distance
around the largest part of the head gives important information about the brain development
(Villar et al. 2014). The head circumference smaller or bigger than the normal milestone indicate
problem. A large head indicate hydrocephaly where there is building of fluid inside the brain. An
abnormal or stopped growth is indicated if the head is small. Length measurement was also not
taken into consideration as head circumference for age and weight for length need to be put on
the growth chart (Streiner, Norman and Cairney 2015). Eyes need to checked for any sort of
congenial eye infections, blocked ducts or discharge along with body muscle tone and baby’s
reflexes. As Ellie is 7 months old, concerns like feeding, pooping, peeing and sleeping should
also be taken into consideration. As this age, solid food could be introduced like single-grain
cereal that is iron-fortified. There is also need to notice the change in the colour and consistency
of stool after the introduction of solids.
Sleeping is also important as in the age of 6 months, an infant need 12 to 16 hours sleep
with naps up to two to three time in the daytime. The grasping ability and passing of objects need
to be checked for Ellie along with rolling and posture like sitting with support for the evaluation
of motor skills. At this stage, immunizations are most important and as Ellie is already 6 months
old, she is due for her first flu shot in the flu season. The nurse did not give flu vaccine to Ellie
and Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that flu vaccine be
recommended for infants above the age of 6 months. As Flu vaccines constantly change, the
vaccine need to be updated with the current strains of flu virus (Dawood et al. 2012). The routine
immunization can be improved through maximization of quality services, management of

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PSYCHOLOGY
immunization programs, people mobilization and monitoring of programme performance by the
authority with 2 doses of seasonal flu vaccine (tri or quadrivalent) from 6 months onwards
regardless of immunization history.
Answer two
As Ellie is 7 months old and never received flu vaccine, it is recommended that two doses
of vaccine be recommended that would protect her from flu season in 2017 as outlined by CDC.
As Ellie missed her first flu vaccine inadvertently with no second dose within the same year, she
should receive two doses in the following year in 4 weeks apart recommended for infants below
the age of 9 months as recommended by CDC.
Dosage Week 1 Week 2 Week 3 Week 4 Outcome
Flu vaccine 0.25 ml 1st dose Protection
against
influenza
virus
0.25 ml 2nd dose
After first dose administration, fever may or may not occur that is considered a
precaution for flu vaccine. The nurse should look for any side effects after first flu shot like low-
grade fever, swelling and pain at the injection site, muscle aches, fatigue or headache. It lasts for
one or two days and is less severe. The routine immunization of flu vaccine can be strengthened
by a well-functioned cold chain supply and system, improvement in equity with efficient service
delivery and capacity building of supervisors and vaccinators (Kartoglu and Milstien 2014).
Management and political support, effective planning, strategy and policy development can also