Question

When discussing growth and development with the parents of a child, the nurse explains that nutrition is the single most important influence on:

a. cognitive development.
b. secondary sexual characteristics.
c. production of blood cells.
d. growth of bones and muscle.

Answer 1

Nutrition is considered the most critical factor for the growth of bones and muscle during a child’s development.

Step-by-step explanation:

When discussing growth and development with the parents of a child, it is important to note that nutrition is the single most important influence on the growth of bones and muscle. Adequate nutrition is essential for the body to grow and repair itself, and for maintaining the necessary conditions for bone mineralization and muscle growth. During periods of rapid growth, particularly infancy, childhood, and adolescence, ensuring proper nutrition can significantly impact a child's physical development. While cognitive development, secondary sexual characteristics, and blood cell production are all influenced by nutritional status, it is the growth of bones and muscle that is most directly and significantly affected by it.

Nutrition is the single most important influence on the growth of bones and muscle.