title: Health care of the internationally adopted child part 1. Before and at arrival into the adoptive home.
abstract: International adoptees are frequently encountered in pediatric practice. Their health status in the country of origin is quite variable. Once in the United States, there is no mandated medical evaluation for these infants and children. Commonly missed or ignored conditions include vision or hearing loss, infectious diseases, incomplete immunizations, and various allergies and food intolerances. The prepared nurse practitioner can provide invaluable assistance in ensuring the efficient and appropriate evaluation of each internationally adopted child. Part 1 of this series discusses concerns before the child's arrival in the adoptive home and the medical issues most important soon after arrival Part 2 addresses long-term issues including the follow-up of initial assessments, management of chronic medical problems, and concerns about growth, development, and social adjustments.
authors.forename: M A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Mitchell
authors.forename: J A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Jenista
mesh_terms: D000300:Adoption / Q000208:ethnology / Q000523:psychology; D002669:Child Welfare; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003140:Communicable Disease Control; D004641:Emigration and Immigration; D006801:Humans; D009722:Nurse Practitioners; D009730:Nursing Assessment; D010371:Pediatric Nursing