Copyright © 2004 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Unit 7 Human Growth and Development

Chapter 7Principles of Health Science

Copyright © 2004 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 2

Life Stages

Growth and development begins at birth and ends at death

During an entire lifetime, individuals have needs that must be met

Health care workers need to be aware of the various stages and needs of the individual to provide quality health care


Life Stages (continued)

Infancy: birth to 1 year Early childhood: 1-6 years Late childhood: 6-12 years Adolescence: 12-20 years Early adulthood: 20-40 years Middle adulthood: 40-65 years Late adulthood: 65 years and up


Growth and DevelopmentTypes

Physical: body growth Mental: mind development Emotional: feelings Social: interactions and relationships

with others All four types above occur in each stage Tasks progress from simple to complex


Growth and DevelopmentRates

Rate of progress varies Factors that can affect include:

– Sex– Race– Heredity– Culture– Life experiences– Health status


Erikson’s Stages of Psychosocial Development

Erik Erikson was a psychoanalyst A basic conflict or need must be met in

each stage See Table 7-1 in text page 191 & the

handout


Infancy Age: birth to 1 year old Dramatic and rapid changes

– Newborn average weight is 6-8 pounds– Average length is 18-22 inches

Reflexes are present at birth– Moro/startle– Rooting– Sucking – Grasping

Teeth appear between 4-6 months of age. By age one 10-12 teeth. Vision is poor at birth limited to black and white but by age 1 can

focus on small objects.


Infancy Physical Development AGE: ACTIVITY:

BIRTH lift head slightly

2 MONTHS roll side to back

4-5 MONTHS turn body completely around, accept objects handed to them, grasp stationary objects, hold head up while sitting

6-7 MONTHS sit unsupported for several minutes, grasp moving objects, crawl on the stomach

12 MONTHS walk without assistance, grasp with thumb and fingers, throw objects


Infancy Development Mental-

– Rapid in the 1st year.– Responds to discomforts by crying.– By 6 months make basic sounds– By 12 months understand and use single words.

Emotional-– Newborns show excitement– At 12 months, affection for parents is evident.

Social-– 4 months – recognizes/smiles at caregiver.– 6 months- watches the activities of others.– 12 months – shy with strangers, but socializes with familiar people.

REMEMBER, stimulation is essential for mental growth. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T7lL1jnwZOs


Early Childhood Age: 1-6 years old Physical Development Growth slows down At age 6 average height – 46 inches, average weight – 45 pounds Has more adult appearance – head more in proportion to the rest of

the body. Muscle coordination – allows the child to run and climb Learn to write and draw and use a fork and knife. 2-3 years – most of the teeth developed – can eat adult foods 2-4 years – establishment of bowel and bladder control.


Early Childhood Mental development: Advances rapidly Verbal – several words at age one to 1500-2000 words at age 6. Two years – short attention span. Four years – ask many questions, recognizes letters and some

words and begins to make logic based decisions. Six years – learns to read and write, and makes decisions based on

the present and the past.


Early Childhood Emotional development: At age 2 safety limits are defined & child will accept or defy the limits. Become impatient and frustrated when they try to do things beyond their

ability. Temper tantrums – when can’t perform as desired. Likes routine Age 4-6: Understands right from wrong. Less anxiety when faced with new situations. Social Development Expands form a self-centered one-year-old to a very sociable six-year-old. Still has a need for routine, order, and consistency in daily lives. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Qb3DXY_7fU


Late Childhood or Preadolescence

Age: 6-12 years old Physical development Slow but steady Weight gain 5-7 pounds/year; height gain of 2-3 inches/year Most primary teeth are lost and replaced by permanent teeth. Age 10-12 - sexual maturation begins. Mental development Learns to use information to solve problems Memory becomes more complex Begins to understand more abstract concepts such as loyalty,

honesty, values, and morals.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sUS-5p7CPuE.

14

Late Childhood or Preadolescence

Emotional Development Age 6 often frightened as school begins. Reassuring

parents can ease this transition. Age 10-12 sexual maturation and changes in body

functions can lead to periods of depression followed by joy. Social Development 7 years-tend to like activities they can do by themselves. 8-10 years-tend to be more group orientated. 10-12 years-make friends more easily & gain interest in the

opposite sex https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sUS-5p7CPuE

15

Adolescence Age: 12-20 years old Physical development Sudden growth spurt can cause rapid increases in weight and height. Occurs between ages 11-13 for girls; and between ages 13-15 for boys. Muscle coordination does not occurs as quickly, and can lead to clumsiness or

awkwardness during this period. Onset of puberty; secretion of sex hormones begin Girls

– Menstruation– Pubic hair– Hips widen– Develop breasts – Body fat distribution leads to the female shape.

Boys– Production of semen and sperm– Deeper voice– More muscle mass– Pubic and facial hair.


Adolescence Mental Development Most foundations established and experience increase of

knowledge and sharpening of skills. Make independent decisions and accept responsibility for

actions Emotional development: Often stormy and in conflict Worry about appearance, abilities and relationships with

others. Social development: Move away from family to association with peers.

Eating Disorders

Anorexia nervosa Drastically reduce or

refuse food intake Metabolic disturbances

occur Weakness and death Psychological More common in females

Bulimia Alternately binges Eat excessively then fast

or refuse to eat Induce vomiting Use laxatives Psychological More common in females


Chemical Abuse Use of substances such as alcohol or drugs Reasons for trying chemicals:

– Anxiety – Stress relief – Peer pressure– Escape from emotional or psychological problems– Experimentation with feeling the chemical produces– Instant gratification – Heredity traits– Cultural influences


Suicide One of the leading causes of death in

adolescents Reasons

– Depression– Grief over a loss or love affair– Failure in school– Inability to meet expectations– Influence of suicidal friends– Lack of self-esteem



Increased Risk of Suicide

Family history of suicide A major loss or disappointment Previous suicide attempts Recent suicide of friends, family, or role

models (heroes or idols)


Early Adulthood Age 20-40 years Physical development Frequently the most productive period of life. Physical development is basically complete. Prime child-bearing years and usually produces the healthiest babies. Mental development Time to make many decisions and form many judgments

– Independence– Career choices– Establish life style– Select marital partner– Start a family– Establish values


Early Adulthood Emotional development Subjected to many emotional stresses related to

career, marriage, and family Social development Move away from peer group. Associate with others who have similar

ambitions and interests (regardless of age) Spend more time with mate and family of their

own


Middle Adulthood(Middle Age)

Age: 40-65 years of age Physical changes begin to occur

– Hair gray and thins– Skin wrinkles– Muscle tone decreases– Hearing loss starts– Visual acuity declines– Weight gain

Mental development Mental ability can continue to increase during this period

– usually very good students!


Middle Adulthood Emotional development Period of contentment and satisfaction , or a time of crisis. Satisfaction derived from: job stability, financial success, the

end of child- rearing, and good health. Stresses can result from: loss of job, fear of aging, loss of

youth and vitality, illness, martial problems , and “empty-nest” syndrome.

Social development Relationships between husband and wife can become stronger

as a result of have more time to spend with each other. However, divorce rates are also high in this group.


Late Adulthood Age: 65 years of age and up Physical development Often referred to as elderly or senior citizen People are living longer Physical development on the decline:

– Skin-dry, wrinkled, thin with brown or yellow spots– Loss of hair or thins, gray, loss of shine– Bones become brittle and porous– Cartilage thins– Decrease muscle strength and tone– Hearing and vision loss– Decreased tolerance for heat and cold– Memory loss and decline of reasoning ability– Decreased circulation– Decreased lung capacity – Less efficient kidney & bladder


Late Adulthood Mental development Mental abilities vary among individuals. Short-term memory is usually the first to decline. Alzheimer’s disease can lead to irreversible loss of memory, and

deterioration of intellectual function. Emotional Development Some people cope well with the stresses presented by aging and

remain happy and able to enjoy life. Others become lonely, frustrated, withdrawn, and depressed. Stress can be the result of:

– Retirement -Loss of Independence– Spouse or friend’s death -Knowledge of death impending– Physical disabilities– Financial problems


Late Adulthood Social development Retirement can lead to a loss of self-esteem. Less contact with co-workers can lead to a limited circle

of friends. Death of a spouse and friends, and moving to a new

environment can cause changes in social relationships. Development of new social outlets is important: Remember, no matter what the age, people need a

sense of belonging, self-esteem, financial security, social acceptance, and love.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ld8GLIzIWKU


7:2 Death and Dying

Death is “the final stage of growth” Experienced by everyone and

no one escapes Young people tend to ignore its existence Usually it is the elderly, who have lost

others, who begin to think about their own death


Terminal Illness

Disease that cannot be cured and will result in death

People react in different ways Some patients view death as a final peace


Research

Dr. Elizabeth Kübler-Ross was the leading expert in the field of death and dying

Results of her research– Most medical personnel now believe patient

should be informed of approaching death– Patient should be left with some hope and

know they will not be left alone– Staff need to know extent of information

known by patient


Research(continued)

Dr. Kübler-Ross identified 5 stages of grieving– Dying patients and their families/friends may

experience these stages– Stages may not occur in order– Some patients may not progress through

them all, others may experience several stages at once


Stages of Death and Dying

Denial – refuses to believe Anger – when no longer able to deny Bargaining – accepts death, but wants

more time Depression – realizes death will

come soon Acceptance – understands and accepts

the fact they are going to die


Caring for the Dying Patient

Very challenging, but rewarding work Supportive care Health care worker must have

self-awareness Common to want to avoid feelings by

avoiding dying patient


Hospice Care

Palliative care only Often in patient’s home Philosophy: allow patient to die with dignity

and comfort Personal care Volunteers After death contact and services


Right to Die

Health care workers must understand this issue

Ethical issues must be addressed Allowing patients to die can cause conflict Specific actions to end life cannot be taken Laws allowing “right to die”


Summary

Death is a part of life Health care workers will deal with death

and dying patients Must understand death and dying process

and think about needs of dying patients Then health care workers will be able

to provide the special care these individuals need


7:3 Human Needs

Needs: lack of something that is required or desired

Needs exist from birth to death Needs influence our behavior Needs have a priority status Maslow’s hierarchy of needs

(See Figure 7-14 in text)


Altered PhysiologicalNeeds

Health care workers need to be aware of how illness interferes with meeting physiological needs

Surgery or laboratory testing Anxiety Medications Loss of vision or hearing


Altered PhysiologicalNeeds (continued)

Decreased sense of smell and taste Deterioration of muscles and joints Change in person’s behavior What the health care worker can do to

assist the patient with altered needs


Meeting Needs

Motivation to act when needs felt Sense of satisfaction when needs met Sense of frustration when needs not met Several needs can be felt at the same time Different needs can have different levels

of intensity


Methods for SatisfyingNeeds

Direct methods– Hard work– Set realistic goals– Evaluate situation– Cooperate with others


Methods for SatisfyingNeeds (continued)

Indirect methods– Defense mechanisms– Rationalization– Projection– Displacement– Compensation– Daydreaming


Methods for SatisfyingNeeds (continued)

Indirect methods (continued)– Repression– Suppression– Denial– Withdrawal


Summary

Be aware of own needs and patient’s needs

More efficient and quality care can be provided when know needs and understand motivations

Better understanding of our behavior and that of others


7:4 Effective Communications

Health care workers must be able to relate to patients, family, coworkers, and others

Understanding communication skills assists in this process

Communication: exchange of information, thoughts, ideas, and feelings


Effective Communications (continued)

Verbal: spoken words Written Nonverbal: facial expressions, body

language, and touch



Essential elements– Sender – Message– Receiver – Feedback



Message must be clear How sender delivers message How receiver hears message How receiver understands message Avoid interruptions and distractions


Listening

Essential to communications Attempt to hear what other is really saying Need constant practice Good listening skills techniques Observe speaker closely Reflect statements back to speaker


Nonverbal Communications

Facial expressions, body language, gestures, eye contact, and touch

Can conflict with verbal message Be aware of own and other’s nonverbals Don’t always need verbals to

communicate effectively When verbal and nonverbal agree,

message more likely understood


Barriers to Communication

Something that gets in the way of clear communications

Common barriers– Physical disabilities– Psychological attitudes and prejudice– Cultural diversity


Recording and Reporting

Observe and record observations Use all senses in the process Report promptly and accurately Criteria for recording observations on a

patient’s health care record


Summary

Good communication skills allow development of good interpersonal relationships

Health care worker also relates more effectively with coworkers and other individuals

Documents

Copyright © 2004 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED