(Chapter 7) Life Span Development Flashcards
What are fontanelles?
Soft spots in a newborn’s skull.
What is the age range for an infant?
From 1 month to 1 year of age.
What is the age range for a neonate?
From birth to 1 month (28 days).
What is the age range for a toddler?
From 1 to 3 years of age.
What is the age range for a preschooler?
From 3 to 6 years of age.
What are the vital signs of a neonate? (Respirations)
- Respirations: 30-60 breaths per minute.
- Pulse: 140-160 beats per minute.
- Blood Pressure: ~70 systolic.
How does a neonate’s weight change during the first year?
- Birth weight is about 6-8 pounds.
- Weight doubles by 6 months and triples by 1 year.
When do a neonate’s fontanelles fully fuse?
By about 18 months of age.
What are the reflexes present in neonates?
- Startle Reflex: Arms open wide, fingers spread.
- Grip Reflex: Grasps when the palm is touched.
- Rooting Reflex: Turns head toward cheek touch.
- Sucking Reflex: Stimulated by touching lips.
What are the developmental milestones of an infant at 6 months?
- Begins teething.
- Can sit upright.
- Tracks objects visually.
What are the developmental milestones of an infant at 12 months?
- Recognizes name.
- Walks with assistance.
- Speaks a few words.
- Communicates distress through crying.
What are the vital signs of a toddler (1-3 years)?
- Respirations: 20-30 breaths per minute.
- Heart Rate: 90-140 beats per minute.
- Blood Pressure: 80-90 systolic.
What milestones are typical of toddlers?
- Walks and climbs.
- Potty-trained.
- Recognizes basic shapes and colors.
What are the vital signs of a preschooler (3-6 years)?
- Respirations: 20-25 breaths per minute.
- Heart Rate: 80-130 beats per minute.
- Blood Pressure: 90-110 systolic.
What milestones are typical of preschoolers?
- Physically coordinated.
- Communicates well verbally.
- Knows name and address.
- Can count to 10 or more.
What are general recommendations for interacting with children?
- Allow children to stay with caregivers to reduce separation anxiety.
- Communicate directly with children.
- Use literal language—avoid lies.
What are the vital signs for school-age children (6-12 years)?
- Respirations: 15-20 breaths per minute.
- Heart Rate: 70-110 beats per minute.
- Blood Pressure: 90-120 systolic.
What physiological changes occur in school-age children?
- Permanent teeth replace baby teeth.
- The musculoskeletal system grows rapidly.
What are typical developmental milestones for school-age children?
- Read and write.
- Develop basic problem-solving skills.
- Establish self-image and morals.
- Form large social circles due to school.
- Understand the concept of death.
- Look up to authority figures like police officers and firefighters.
How should you communicate with school-age children?
- Use understandable terms but avoid talking down to them.
- Respect their privacy rights.
What are the vital signs for adolescents (12-18 years)?
- Respirations: 12-20 breaths per minute.
- Heart Rate: 60-100 beats per minute.
- Blood Pressure: 100-120 systolic.
What physiological changes occur in adolescents?
- Significant physical growth over ~3 years.
- Puberty occurs.
- Eating disorders are common, especially in females up to age 25.
What behaviors are typical of adolescents?
- Argumentative, hypercritical, and egocentric.
- Struggle to anticipate consequences of their actions.
- Face peer pressure, increasing the risk of depression and suicide.
- Preoccupied with body image and appearance.
- May become sexually active.
How should you approach sensitive matters with adolescents?
Talk to them privately without caregivers present when possible.
What are the stages of adulthood?
- Early Adulthood: 20-40 years.
- Middle Adulthood: 40-60 years.
- Late Adulthood: 60+ years.
What are the vital signs for adults?
- Respirations: 12-20 breaths per minute.
- Heart Rate: 60-100 beats per minute.
- Blood Pressure: 110/70 to 130/90.
What are key characteristics of adulthood?
- Accidental trauma is a leading cause of death in young adults.
- Mild physical decline begins in middle adulthood.
- Women experience menopause during middle adulthood.
- Physical and mental decline continues in late adulthood.
- Older adults often have extensive medical histories and take at least four medications.
