Assessment Description
The needs of the pediatric patient differ depending on age, as do the stages of development and the expected assessment findings for each stage. In a 500-750-word paper, examine the needs of a school-aged child between the ages of 5 and 12 years old and discuss the following:
- Compare the physical assessments among school-aged children. Describe how you would modify assessment techniques to match the age and developmental stage of the child.
- Choose a child between the ages of 5 and 12 years old. Identify the age of the child and describe the typical developmental stages of children that age.
- Applying developmental theory based on Erickson, Piaget, or Kohlberg, explain how you would developmentally assess the child. Include how you would offer explanations during the assessment, strategies you would use to gain cooperation, and potential findings from the assessment.
You are required to cite a minimum of three peer-reviewed sources to complete this assignment. Sources must be published within the last 5 years, appropriate for the assignment criteria, and relevant to nursing practice.
Prepare this assignment according to the guidelines found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center. An abstract is not required.
This assignment uses a rubric. Please review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion.
You are required to submit this assignment to LopesWrite. A link to the LopesWrite technical support articles is located in Class Resources if you need assistance.
Attachments
NRS-434VN-R-CLC-Agreement-Student.docx
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
Assessing the needs of pediatric patients is crucial for providing them with appropriate healthcare. As a medical professor, it is important to educate our students on how to effectively assess the physical and developmental stages of children. In this paper, we will examine the needs of a school-aged child between 5 and 12 years old and discuss how to modify assessment techniques to match their age and developmental stage. We will also identify a child between 5 and 12 years old and describe their typical developmental stages. Additionally, we will apply developmental theory and explain how we would developmentally assess the child, including strategies for gaining cooperation and potential findings from the assessment.
Answer 1:
Physical assessments for school-aged children vary depending on their age and developmental stage. For example, younger children may require more play-based assessments, while older children may be more tolerant of traditional physical exams. It is important to modify assessment techniques to match the child’s age and developmental stage to ensure accurate assessment findings. For school-aged children, physical assessments typically include measuring height, weight, blood pressure and heart rate, vision and hearing tests, and other assessments as deemed necessary. In order to effectively modify assessment techniques for children, medical professionals should consider their comfort levels, developmental stage, and communication skills.
Answer 2:
Let us take the example of a child who is 7 years old. At this age, children go through various developmental stages. They learn to improve their fine motor skills, which allow them to perform simple tasks like drawing and writing. Additionally, at this age, children develop abstract reasoning skills, and their vocabulary expands rapidly. They also start to develop self-awareness, which allows them to understand and manage their own emotions. As a child grows older, their ability to communicate effectively also improves, allowing them to express themselves better.
Answer 3:
Using Erikson’s developmental theory, a child aged 7 years old falls into the industry vs. inferiority stage. In this stage, children learn to develop new skills that help them achieve goals, which in turn, increases their self-esteem. If the child does not develop new skills, especially in areas where they receive positive reinforcement from peers and adults, they may develop a feeling of inferiority. To assess such a child, medical professionals should use age-appropriate language to provide explanations, encourage co-operation and provide positive reinforcement for any new skill learned. Possible findings from the assessment could include identification of any physical or behavioral health concerns, timely intervention, or referral for further evaluation if required.