A child is below the 5th percentile weight for height. What can be said about the child?

When a child's weight for height falls below the 5th percentile, this typically indicates a concern regarding their nutritional status. Specifically, this measurement can suggest that the child may be experiencing under-nutrition or not receiving adequate nutrients for healthy growth and development.

Being below the 5th percentile means that compared to peers, the child weighs significantly less for their height, which can be a sign of malnutrition, whether due to inadequate caloric intake, poor nutrient absorption, or other health issues. Such growth patterns warrant further assessment to determine underlying causes and necessary interventions to promote better nutritional intake and overall health for the child.

In contrast, higher percentile classifications relate to healthy growth or concerns about obesity or over-nutrition, which is not applicable in this case. Thus, the child's low weight for height serves as an important indicator of potential health risks associated with under-nutrition.