The school nurse's role: early detection of growth disorders.

Many school-age children with short stature or apparent growth excess are growing normally; however, for the minority of children experiencing growth problems, treatment may be indicated. The school nurse is in an ideal position to perform a preliminary growth-screening program. For accurate identification of potential growth problems, children must be properly weighed and measured, and the numbers plotted on a growth chart. Growth disorders can be caused by numerous underlying pathologies and diseases. Knowledge of these conditions can raise the index of suspicion so that appropriate referral can be made.