In evaluating suspected organic failure to thrive, which history finding most strongly supports an organic cause?

In evaluating suspected organic failure to thrive, which history finding most strongly supports an organic cause?

• A. Vomiting, diarrhea, and bowel irregularities
• B. Absence of vomiting
• C. Normal growth previously
• D. Family history of short stature

Answer: (C)

In suspected organic failure to thrive, look for signs of an identifiable medical problem that directly disrupts nutrition. Gastrointestinal symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and bowel irregularities are the strongest clues for an organic cause because they reflect an underlying disease process that impairs intake, absorption, or loss of nutrients, leading to poor growth. If vomiting is absent or if growth has been normal up to now, those patterns point less toward an organic illness and more toward nonorganic factors or hereditary patterns. A family history of short stature suggests a genetic pattern rather than a new organic disease causing failure to thrive.

In suspected organic failure to thrive, look for signs of an identifiable medical problem that directly disrupts nutrition. Gastrointestinal symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and bowel irregularities are the strongest clues for an organic cause because they reflect an underlying disease process that impairs intake, absorption, or loss of nutrients, leading to poor growth. If vomiting is absent or if growth has been normal up to now, those patterns point less toward an organic illness and more toward nonorganic factors or hereditary patterns. A family history of short stature suggests a genetic pattern rather than a new organic disease causing failure to thrive.