Construção do diagnóstico de enfermagem atraso do crescimento no contexto do adolescente

Abstract

This study is typified as concept analysis, whose objective was to build the nursing diagnosis “Growth delay” in adolescent context, based on literature. The concept analysis was performed in line with the model proposed by Walker and Avant, which is composed of eight steps, namely: concept analysis; determination of the objectives of the conceptual analysis; identification of possible uses of the concept; determination of the defining attributes; construction of a model case; construction of supplementary cases; identification of the backgrounds and consequences; besides the empirical benchmarks. The selected concept was the “Growth delay” and the objective of the analysis was to analyze the phenomenon of growth delay in adolescent context, with the purpose of subsidizing its identification in clinical practice on the part of the nursing professional. In order to operationalize the analysis, we held an integrative literature review, according to Whittermore and Knafl. The review took place in the databases: LILACS, PUBMED, CINAHL, SCOPUS, Web of Science, Science Direct, as well as in the Journal of Human Growth and Development journal. From the review, we obtained a final sample of 29 studies to be analyzed. These studies were analyzed by means of thorough reading, with a view to identifying the terms or expressions that could represent the essence of the concept, its attributes, backgrounds and consequences. The diagnostic proposal, which resulted from the conceptual analysis, showed the following definition for the growth delay: below expected growth for individuals from 10 to 19 years of the same sex: height below the 3rd percentile or deficit in height above 2 standard deviations, which, associated with decreased growth velocity, results in the final height lower than the genetic target. The related factors were: hormonal changes; unfavorable environmental conditions; chronic malnutrition; chronic diseases; immunodeficiency/ immunosuppression; prolonged physical stress; central nervous system diseases; and genetic disorders. The defining characteristics were: low height for age; low weight for age; delayed pubertal growth spurt; below expected growth velocity; final height lower than the genetic target; and decreased bone mass. We found that, from the identification of attributes, backgrounds and consequences, it was possible to achieve a better understanding of the concept “Growth delay” in adolescent context. The understanding of this phenomenon contributes to the advancement in the state of the art of nursing, thereby improving the identification of the delayed growth in these customers and contributing to the establishment of more effective therapeutic plans, with interventions aimed at their urgent needs.