Nursing Component Task
Nursing procedures & clinical learning

Public Health Nursing (PHN)

HOME VISIT TO A MOTHER OR CAREGIVER WITH A MALNOURISHED CHILD

This is a special/routine home visit conducted by the Public/Community health nurse to parents or caregivers of a malnourished child at home.

Purpose

  • Ascertain the state of malnutrition
  • Counsel and teach mother on appropriate nutrition
  • Refer for further management
  • Encourage caregiver on regular visit to the Child Welfare Clinic (CWC)

Indications

  • Client requires a mother or caregiver with malnourished child assessment or care.

Equipment

  • Refer to items in the well-equipped home visiting bag
  • Map of the area/community
  • Records of the client manually/electronically
  • Register of the area/community
  • Arrange for transportation

Preparation

  • Review client records and history.
  • Gather necessary equipment and supplies.
  • Plan the visit timing and logistics.

Procedure steps

  • Read map of the community
  • Knock, enter, greet and introduce self
  • Observe environment for cleanliness, safety and comment
  • Establish rapport and explain the purpose of the visit
  • Assess the health needs of the child
  • Request for the child’s health record booklet and find out about clinic attendance
  • Check and use items in the home visit bag
  • Weigh and record the child’s weight
  • Check the mid upper arm circumference (MUAC)
  • Wash hands/alcohol hand rub with appropriate technique
  • Examine child from head to toe
  • Discuss all findings with parents/caretakers
  • Interview and counsel on:
  • Types of food to be given
  • Eating habit, proper preparation of the food and responsive feeding
  • Demonstrate food preparation
  • Personal health
  • Regular attendance at CWC and remind mother/caregiver on the next visit
  • Any other concerns
  • Refer to nutrition rehabilitation centre if applicable

Precautions

  • Maintain infection prevention and control measures throughout.
  • Respect client privacy and confidentiality.
  • Ensure cultural sensitivity and dignity.
  • Refer or escalate when complications arise.

Aftercare

  • Evaluate client response to interventions.
  • Schedule follow-up as needed.
  • Ensure client understands care plan.

Nursing considerations

  • Adapt care to client's unique circumstances.
  • Involve family members as appropriate.
  • Consider social determinants of health.

Patient education

  • Provide condition-specific health education.
  • Teach self-care strategies where applicable.
  • Reinforce importance of follow-up.

Documentation

  • Record all assessments and findings.
  • Document interventions provided.
  • Note client education given.
  • Report any referrals made.

References and further reading

Educational resource only. Follow current Nursing and Midwifery Council guidance, local institutional protocols, scope of practice, and clinical supervision.

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