Chapter 2. Child Development and Behavior
1. A nurse is reviewing developmental concepts for infants and children. Which statement
best describes development in infants and children?
a. Development, a predictable and orderly process, occurs at varying rates
within normal limits.
b. Development is primarily related to the growth in the number and size of cells.
c. Development occurs in a proximodistal direction with fine muscle
development
occurring first.
d. Development is more easily and accurately measured than growth.
ANS: A
Development, a continuous orderly process, provides the basis for increases in the childs
function and complexity of behavior. The increases in rate of function and complexity can
vary normally within limits for each child. An increase in the number and size of cells is a
definition for growth. Development proceeds in a proximodistal direction with fine muscle
organization occurring as a result of large muscle organization. Development is a more
complex process that is affected by many factors; therefore, it is less easily and accurately
measured. Growth is a predictable process with standard measurement methods.
2. Frequent developmental assessments are important for which reason?
a. Stable developmental periods during infancy provide an opportunity to
identify any delays or deficits.
b. Infants need stimulation specific to the stage of
development. c. Critical periods of development occur during
childhood.
d. Child development is unpredictable and needs monitoring.
ANS: C
Critical periods are blocks of time during which children are ready to master specific
developmental tasks. Children can master these tasks more easily during particular periods
of
, time in their growth and developmental process. Infancy is a dynamic time of development that
requires frequent evaluations to assess appropriate developmental progress. Infants in a
nurturing environment will develop appropriately and will not necessarily need stimulation
specific to their developmental stage. Normal growth and development are orderly and proceed
in a predictable pattern on the basis of each individuals abilities and potentials.
3. Which factor has the greatest influence on child growth and development?
a. Culture
b. Environment
c. Genetics
d. Nutrition
ANS: C
Genetic factors (heredity) determine each individuals growth and developmental rate.
Although factors such as environment, culture, nutrition, and family can influence genetic
traits, they do not eliminate the effect of the genetic endowment, which is permanent. Culture
is a significant factor that influences how children grow toward adulthood. Culture influences
both growth and
development but does not eliminate inborn genetic influences. Environment has a significant
role in determining growth and development both before and after birth. The environment can
influence how and to which extent genetic traits are manifested, but environmental factors
cannot eliminate the effect of genetics. Nutrition is critical for growth and plays a significant
role throughout childhood.
4. A nurse is planning a teaching session with a child. According to Piagetian theory, the
period of cognitive development in which the child is able to distinguish fact from fantasy is
the
period of cognitive development.
a. sensorimotor
b. formal operations
c. concrete operations
d. preoperational
1. A nurse is reviewing developmental concepts for infants and children. Which statement
best describes development in infants and children?
a. Development, a predictable and orderly process, occurs at varying rates
within normal limits.
b. Development is primarily related to the growth in the number and size of cells.
c. Development occurs in a proximodistal direction with fine muscle
development
occurring first.
d. Development is more easily and accurately measured than growth.
ANS: A
Development, a continuous orderly process, provides the basis for increases in the childs
function and complexity of behavior. The increases in rate of function and complexity can
vary normally within limits for each child. An increase in the number and size of cells is a
definition for growth. Development proceeds in a proximodistal direction with fine muscle
organization occurring as a result of large muscle organization. Development is a more
complex process that is affected by many factors; therefore, it is less easily and accurately
measured. Growth is a predictable process with standard measurement methods.
2. Frequent developmental assessments are important for which reason?
a. Stable developmental periods during infancy provide an opportunity to
identify any delays or deficits.
b. Infants need stimulation specific to the stage of
development. c. Critical periods of development occur during
childhood.
d. Child development is unpredictable and needs monitoring.
ANS: C
Critical periods are blocks of time during which children are ready to master specific
developmental tasks. Children can master these tasks more easily during particular periods
of
, time in their growth and developmental process. Infancy is a dynamic time of development that
requires frequent evaluations to assess appropriate developmental progress. Infants in a
nurturing environment will develop appropriately and will not necessarily need stimulation
specific to their developmental stage. Normal growth and development are orderly and proceed
in a predictable pattern on the basis of each individuals abilities and potentials.
3. Which factor has the greatest influence on child growth and development?
a. Culture
b. Environment
c. Genetics
d. Nutrition
ANS: C
Genetic factors (heredity) determine each individuals growth and developmental rate.
Although factors such as environment, culture, nutrition, and family can influence genetic
traits, they do not eliminate the effect of the genetic endowment, which is permanent. Culture
is a significant factor that influences how children grow toward adulthood. Culture influences
both growth and
development but does not eliminate inborn genetic influences. Environment has a significant
role in determining growth and development both before and after birth. The environment can
influence how and to which extent genetic traits are manifested, but environmental factors
cannot eliminate the effect of genetics. Nutrition is critical for growth and plays a significant
role throughout childhood.
4. A nurse is planning a teaching session with a child. According to Piagetian theory, the
period of cognitive development in which the child is able to distinguish fact from fantasy is
the
period of cognitive development.
a. sensorimotor
b. formal operations
c. concrete operations
d. preoperational
