Why might a bone age assessment be ordered on a pediatric patient? Select three reasons.

A bone age assessment is a crucial tool in pediatric care, primarily utilized for evaluating a child's growth and development status. There are several reasons why healthcare providers might order this assessment.

One significant reason is to diagnose various growth disorders. This assessment helps differentiate between children who are biologically older or younger than their chronological age based on skeletal maturity. By comparing skeletal maturity to a standard reference, physicians can identify issues such as growth hormone deficits or conditions like precocious puberty.

Another reason is to provide an estimate of final height. Bone age assessments can be used to predict a child's potential adult height by determining how much growth remains. Understanding the current status of skeletal development allows healthcare providers to make informed predictions about growth potential.

Monitoring children on growth hormone therapy is another critical aspect. For children receiving treatment to boost growth, a bone age assessment can help determine the therapy's effectiveness and guide further treatment decisions. As growth hormone therapy affects growth rates, regular assessments of bone age can inform whether adjustments in the treatment plan are needed.

In summary, the assessment plays an essential role in diagnosing growth disorders, estimating final height, and monitoring treatment efficacy, making it an invaluable tool in pediatric practice.