When a 20-week-old infant's weight is between the 2nd and 3rd percentile, what is the appropriate next action?

• A. Compare this weight with previous weights recorded in the child's chart.
• B. Refer for metabolic testing.
• C. Evaluate the parent's body build in relation to the infant's weight.
• D. Obtain a 24-hour nutritional history before making any conclusions.

Answer: (A)

Growth monitoring hinges on tracking weight over time, not a single measurement. For a 20‑week‑old infant, seeing weight in the 2nd to 3rd percentile prompts looking at the child’s growth trajectory by comparing this visit to previous weights. If the weight has been tracking along the same percentile and shows stable gain, that can be normal for a smaller infant. If the weight has fallen across percentiles or the gain is slower than expected, that would raise concern and lead to further evaluation of feeding, nutrition, and potential other causes. While nutrition history and parental size can influence weight, the most informative first step is to review prior measurements to determine the pattern before jumping to tests or broader assessments.