The approximate increase in length in the first year of life is?

Appeared in: JODHPUR AIIMS SNO-2018

Explanation

The average increase in an infant's length during the first year of life is approximately 25 cm.
A healthy, full-term infant typically measures around 50 cm at birth and grows to about 75 cm by their first birthday.
This rapid increase in length (a 50% increase from birth) is a critical indicator of adequate nutrition and overall health.
Growth velocity is highest during infancy, particularly in the first few months.

Option B: An increase of 35 cm in the first year is excessive and falls outside the normal range for infant growth. It might suggest a rare condition and would warrant further investigation.
Option C: An increase of 12 cm is too low for the first year. This rate of growth is more characteristic of the second year of life (from 12 to 24 months).
Option D: An increase of 22 cm underestimates the rapid growth that occurs in the first year. While close, 25 cm is the standard accepted average.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Normal infant growth parameters, specifically the increase in length during the first year of life as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Monitoring an infant's length is a fundamental nursing assessment to track growth, nutritional status, and overall well-being. It is a key component of growth monitoring.
Plotting length on a standardized growth chart (like the WHO charts) allows nurses to identify deviations from the norm, which can be an early sign of health problems.
What if? - If an infant's length increases by only 15 cm in the first year, this is a significant red flag for 'failure to thrive' or 'stunting'. The nurse must escalate this finding for investigation into potential causes like inadequate nutrition, malabsorption, genetic conditions, or chronic illness.

How to Approach the Question

Identify the core of the question: it asks for a specific, standard value related to infant development (length increase in the first year).
This is a factual recall question. Access your knowledge of normal pediatric growth milestones.
Recall the average length of a newborn: approximately 50 cm.
Recall the average length at one year of age: approximately 75 cm.
Calculate the difference: 75 cm - 50 cm = 25 cm.
Compare your calculated result (25 cm) with the given options and select the matching one.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Normal infant growth parameters, specifically the increase in length during the first year of life.
Stem keywords: increase in length, first year of life
Lead-in keywords: approximate

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