Final answer:
The nurse should report to the provider that the weight for age of the 12-month-old infant is below the 3rd percentile. This finding suggests potential growth problems and requires further investigation.
Step-by-step explanation:
Growth Assessment in Infancy
During the well-baby visit, the nurse should report to the provider that the infant's weight for age is below the 3rd percentile. This finding suggests that the infant may not be growing properly and may have a health problem or be undernourished. It is essential to address this issue to prevent long-term deficits in size and potential health risks like obesity.
Step-by-step explanation:
During the first year of life, growth assessment is crucial to monitor the baby's progress. Comparing the baby's measurements to standard weight and length values for infants of the same age helps determine if the baby is growing normally. A weight below the 3rd percentile indicates that the infant's weight is significantly lower compared to other infants of the same age, which could signal a growth issue.