A clinician labels a child as having a nonorganic failure to thrive. The most likely cause is

• A. Chronic illness
• B. Genetic disorder
• C. Low-quality parenting
• D. Infections during pregnancy

Answer: (C)

Nonorganic failure to thrive occurs when a child’s growth falters due to environmental and caregiving factors rather than a medical illness. If a thorough medical evaluation finds no underlying chronic disease, genetic disorder, or prenatal/infectious problem, the most likely cause is inadequate or inappropriate feeding stemming from low-quality parenting and caregiving. This situation contrasts with organic failure to thrive, where growth problems arise from a true medical condition or congenital issue that would be expected to show up in history, examination, or tests.