Chapter 17 The Life Cycle Fundamentals of Nursing: Standards & Practices, 2E

 Copyright 2002 by Delmar, a division of Thomson Learning 17-2 Fundamental Concepts of Growth and Development  Growth is the quantitative changes in physical size of the body and its parts.  Development refers to behavioral changes in functional abilities and skills.  Maturation is the process of becoming fully grown and developed. It involves both the physiological and behavioral aspects of an individual.

 Copyright 2002 by Delmar, a division of Thomson Learning 17-3  Maturation depends on biological growth, functional changes, and learning (assimilation of information with a resultant change in behavior).  The critical period is the time of the most rapid growth or development in a particular stage of the life cycle.

 Copyright 2002 by Delmar, a division of Thomson Learning 17-4 Principles of Growth and Development  Development occurs in a cephalocaudal direction and proximodistal manner.  Functions closer to the midline develop before distal functions.  Development occurs from simple to complex.

 Copyright 2002 by Delmar, a division of Thomson Learning 17-5  The pattern of growth and development is continuous, orderly, and predictable but does not proceed at a consistent rate.  All individuals go through the same developmental processes.  Every person proceeds through stages of growth and development at an individual rate.

 Copyright 2002 by Delmar, a division of Thomson Learning 17-6  Every stage of development has specific characteristics.  Each stage of development has certain tasks to be achieved or acquired during that specific time.  Some stages of growth and development are more critical than others.

 Copyright 2002 by Delmar, a division of Thomson Learning 17-7 Factors Influencing Growth and Development  Heredity  Life experiences  Health status  Cultural expectations

 Copyright 2002 by Delmar, a division of Thomson Learning 17-8 Theoretical Perspectives of Human Development  Physiological dimension Physiological growth of an individual is influenced primarily by interaction of genetic predisposition, the central nervous system, the endocrine system, and maturation.

 Copyright 2002 by Delmar, a division of Thomson Learning 17-9 Holistic Framework for Nursing  Psychosocial dimension Consists of subjective feelings and interpersonal relationships Self-concept is a view of one’s self, including body image, self-esteem, and ideal self Theorists  Freud, Erikson, Havighurst, Levinson

 Copyright 2002 by Delmar, a division of Thomson Learning  Cognitive dimension Characterized by the intellectual process of knowing which includes perception, memory, and judgment Develops as an individual progresses through the life span Theorists  Piaget, Inhelder

 Copyright 2002 by Delmar, a division of Thomson Learning  Moral dimension Consists of a person’s value system that helps in differentiating right and wrong Moral maturity is the ability to independently decide for one’s self what is “right” Theorists  Kohlberg, Gilligan

 Copyright 2002 by Delmar, a division of Thomson Learning  Spiritual dimension Spirituality refers to relationships with one’s self, with others and with a higher power or divine source Spirituality does not refer to a specific religious affiliation Theorist  Fowler

 Copyright 2002 by Delmar, a division of Thomson Learning Holistic Framework for Nursing  Nursing’s holistic perspective recognizes the progression of individual development across the lifespan.  Nursing interventions must be appropriate to each client’s developmental stage.  Growth and development theories are useful to nurses as assessment parameters.

 Copyright 2002 by Delmar, a division of Thomson Learning Stages of the Life Cycle  Prenatal period - the developmental stage beginning with conception and ending with birth The pregnant woman needs to have physical examinations and screenings. An ample supply of nutrients must be provided by the gestating woman. Avoidance of teratogens is essential.

 Copyright 2002 by Delmar, a division of Thomson Learning  Neonatal period - the first 28 days of life following birth A complete examination of the neonate is performed immediately after delivery. Teaching parents about infant care including use of infant car seats, is an important wellness-promotion nursing activity.

 Copyright 2002 by Delmar, a division of Thomson Learning  Infancy - the stage from the first month to the first year of life Nursing care of the infant must focus on safety, prevention of infection, and teaching parents about incorporating the child into the family. Provision of adequate nutrients is essential for health maintenance.

 Copyright 2002 by Delmar, a division of Thomson Learning  Toddler period - begins at 12 to 18 months of age when a child begins to walk alone, ending at approximately age 3. Toddlers need to have regular health examinations and immunizations. Play is a primary mechanism for learning and socialization.

 Copyright 2002 by Delmar, a division of Thomson Learning Nutritional needs change as growth rate slows and caloric needs decrease from infancy. Safety considerations include the use of age-appropriate toys and child- proofing the home and surrounding environment.

 Copyright 2002 by Delmar, a division of Thomson Learning  Preschooler - the developmental stage from the ages of 3 to 6 years It is important for nurse to communicate at the child’s level of comprehension. Immunization is a major wellness intervention. Accidents are the leading cause of death in young children.

 Copyright 2002 by Delmar, a division of Thomson Learning  School-age child - the developmental stage from the ages of 6 to 12 years Nurses can promote healthy lifestyles with children in schools by educating parents about proper nutrition, immunizations, dental care, safety precautions, and adequate rest/sleep. Many accidents in the school-age child occur during play.

 Copyright 2002 by Delmar, a division of Thomson Learning  Preadolescent - the developmental stage from the ages of 10 to 12 years The preadolescent needs information about nutrition, rest and activity, and physiological changes. Preadolescents are at risk for injury from sports and play activities.

 Copyright 2002 by Delmar, a division of Thomson Learning A major health risk involves violence, both in and away from the home. Education about violence, substance abuse, sex education, and development of healthy lifestyles is important.

 Copyright 2002 by Delmar, a division of Thomson Learning  Adolescent - the developmental stage from the ages of 13 to 20 years Nurses can support the adolescent by providing information about the numerous bodily changes. Use of a nonjudgmental attitude is essential.

 Copyright 2002 by Delmar, a division of Thomson Learning Areas to be emphasized in health education include hygiene, nutrition, sex education, developmental changes, and substance abuse prevention. Accidents, homicide, and suicide are the three major causes of adolescent death.

 Copyright 2002 by Delmar, a division of Thomson Learning  Young adult - the stage from the ages of 21 to approximately 40 years Young adulthood is the healthiest time in a person’s life. It is important to emphasize preventive measures  Avoidance of accident, injury, violence  Development of health-promoting behaviors

 Copyright 2002 by Delmar, a division of Thomson Learning  Middle adult - the developmental stage from the ages of 40 to 65 years Self-care education topics include acceptance of aging, nutrition, exercise and weight control, substance abuse prevention, stress management, recommendations for health screening At risk for recreational accidents

 Copyright 2002 by Delmar, a division of Thomson Learning  Older adult - the developmental stage occurring from age 65 and beyond  Nursing care is important in assisting aging people to develop a sense of well- being. Health promotion activities should be implemented with the elderly to maintain functional independence. Falls pose a major health threat.