Growth and Development Questions & Answers

Growth vs. Development - ANSWERSGrowth refers to change in physical change, increase in size. Development refers to increase in complexity of function. -Skill progression -Capacity, skill to adapt to the environment Continuous, orderly, sequential process -All humans follow same pattern -Sequence of each stage predictable. Growth generally occurs within the first 20 years of life; whereas development occurs across the lifespan. What occurs within the first 20 years of life? - ANSWERSGrowth What occurs across the lifespan? - ANSWERSDevelopment What type of growtht is this describing: The child gains control of the head and the neck before the trunk and limbs? - ANSWERSCephalocaudal What type of growth is this describing: Child grows arm movements before hand movements? - ANSWERSProximodistal Differentiated - ANSWERSDevelopment begins with a general response to more specific. Example: Infant's response to a stimulus generally involves the whole body, but a 5-year-old can respond specifically with laughter or fear Why are the first 10-12 weeks of pregnancy critical? - ANSWERSBecause the incidence of congenital anomalies can result due to viruses, chemicals, or drugs. Pace of growth during infancy - ANSWERSGrowth is greater during infancy. Example: development or rapid growth of head during infancy and extremities during puberty. Neonatal Stage Significant Characteristics and Nursing Implications - ANSWERS-Birth to one month. - Behavior is largely reflexive and develops to more purposeful behavior -Nursing Implication: Assist parents to identify and meet unmet needs Infancy Stage Significant Characteristics and Nursing Implications - ANSWERS-One month to one year. -Physical growth is rapid. -Nursing implications: Control the infant's environment so that physical and psychological needs are met. Toddlerhood Stage Significant Characteristics and Nursing Implications - ANSWERS-One to Three Years -Motor development permits increased physical autonomy. Psychosocial skills increase. -Nursing implications: Safety and risk-taking strategies must be balanced to promote growth. Preschool Stage Significant Characteristics and Nursing Implications. - ANSWERS-Three to Six Years -The preschooler's world is expanding. New experiences and the preschooler's social role are tried during play. Physical growth is slower. -Nursing Implications: Provide opportunities for play and social activity. School-aged Stage Significant Characteristics and Nursing Implications. - ANSWERS-Six to Twelve Years -Stage includes the preadolescent period (10-12 years). Peer group increasingly influences behavior. Physical growth is slower. -Nursing implications: Allow time and energy for the school-age child to pursue hobbies and and school activities. Recognize and support child's achievement. Adolescent stage Significant characteristics and nursing implications. - ANSWERS-12 to 18 years -Self-concept changes with biological development. Values are tested. Physical growth accelerates. Stress increases. -Nursing implications: Assist adolescents with to develop coping behaviors. Help adolescents develop strategies for resolving conflicts. Young Adult Stage Significant Characteristics and Nursing Implications - ANSWERS-18-34 years - A personal lifestyle develops. Person establishes a relationship with a significant other and a commitment to something. -Nursing implications: Accept adult's chosen lifestyle and assist with necessary adjustments relating to health. Recognize the person's commitments. Support change as necessary for health. Middle Adult Stage Significant Characteristics and Nursing Implications - ANSWERS-35-64 years -Lifestyle changes due to other changes; for example, children leave home, occupational goals change. -Nursing implications: Assist clients to prepare for anticipated changes in life, to recognize the risk factors related to health, and to focus on strengths rather than weaknesses Older Adulthood: Young old. Significant Characteristics and Nursing Implications - ANSWERS-65-74 years -Adaptation to retirement and changing physical abilities is often necessary. Chronic illness may develop. -Nursing implications: Assist clients to keep mentally, physically, and socially active and to maintain peer group interactions. Older Adulthood: Middle old. Significant Characteristics and Nursing Implications - ANSWERS-75-84 years -Adaptation to decline in speed of movement, reaction time, and increasing dependence on others may be necessary -Nursing implications: Assist client to cope with loss (e.g. hearing, sensory abilities and eyesight, death of loved one). Provide necessary safety measures. Older Adulthood: Old old. Significant Characteristics and Nursing Implications - ANSWERS-85 years and older -Increasing physical problems may develop -Nursing Implications: Assist clients with self-care as required, and with maintaining as much independence as possible Factors influencing prenatal development: Prenatal influences - ANSWERS-Mother's nutrition and general state of health -Substance ingestion -Prescription and non-prescription medications -Maternal illnesses -Chronic maternal illness, depression -Radiation, chemicals, environmental toxins. How can a mom's poor nutrition affect a developing embryo/fetus? - ANSWERSCan lead to low birth weight infants with compromised neurologic performance, slow development, or impaired immune status. Low maternal iron can lead to infant anemia. What can smoking do to a developing infant inside the womb? - ANSWERS-Can lead to low birth weight What can alcohol do to a developing infant inside the womb? - ANSWERS-Fetal Alcohol Syndrome What can maternal drug abuse do to the developing baby? - ANSWERS-Can result in neonatal addiction, convulsions, hyper-irritability, poor social responsiveness, and neurological and cognitive disturbances What can maternal illness do the developing infant? - ANSWERS-Rubella (German measles) can result in deafness, vision defects, heart defects, and mental retardation to the fetus. -AIDs, HIV, and Hep B can be transferred from the mother.