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.
Prepare this assignment according to the guidelines found in the APA Style Guide, An abstract is not required.
How to Solve 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- Nursing Assignment Help
Introduction:
Assessing the needs of a pediatric patient requires sensitivity to their physical, emotional, and psychological development. In this context, this paper will evaluate the needs of school-aged children between the ages of 5 and 12. The paper will compare physical assessments among school-aged children and how assessment techniques can be modified to match the age and developmental stage of the child. It will also identify a child between the ages of 5 and 12 years old, describe the typical developmental stages of children that age and apply developmental theory based on Erickson, Piaget, or Kohlberg to explain how to assess the child.
Answer:
Physical assessments among school-aged children vary relative to their age. For children between 5 and 8, the assessment primarily focuses on screening for hearing, vision, and general health issues such as infections. Additionally, evaluations such as determining the child’s blood pressure, height, and weight are essential components of physical assessments. For children aged 9 to 12, the assessment should include more comprehensive medical examinations focusing on nervous, respiratory and cardiovascular systems, and laboratory tests. Furthermore, attention should be given to dietary habits and possible issues arising from lack of exercise or sports injuries.
Assessment techniques used during physical evaluations for children must portray sensitivity to their age and developmental stage. Younger children usually like playing and are enthusiastic about participation in the process, while older children may be somewhat nervous and skeptical. The examination process should involve a lot of interaction with the child to make them comfortable, using appropriate language for their age group. For example, demonstrating the examination process using dolls or toys can be helpful for younger children. Going for a walk or engaging them in games might help get a baseline blood pressure for older children.
A 5-year-old child is typically at the kindergarten stage characterized by rapid cognitive, physical, emotional, and psychological development. The child usually has great curiosity and is always seeking answers to questions. At this stage, young children are keen on socializing building relationships with their peers, relatives, and teachers. Furthermore, they have a limited attention span and may not concentrate on any activity for long periods.
Developmental theory, Piaget’s Theory of Cognitive Development, helps in the assessment of the child. It involves focusing on age-appropriate cognitive tasks and evaluating a child’s responses to tests such as the “four-legged animal test” (Piaget, 1978). In this theory, every child goes through four stages of cognitive development sequentially.
For example, I might use the “four-legged animal” test during my assessment. I can explain to the child the different body parts, ask them to describe the animal’s size, color, fur, and what they think it eats. The test will help me to evaluate the child’s cognitive level based on Piaget’s theory. Additionally, during the assessment, I would use strategies pleasing to the child, such as asking them their name, imagining they’re rocking in a bus or car, or visualizing their happy place to gain cooperation. Possible findings from the assessment may include delayed cognitive development, verbal fluency difficulties, or age-inappropriate socialization patterns.
Conclusion:
The assessment of school-aged children between ages 5-12 should be comprehensive and tailored to the child’s age and developmental stage. Effective communication and engagement, among other strategies, are essential to gain cooperation from them. Piaget’s theory of cognitive development offers practical insights to be used to evaluate cognitive development. Finally, every child’s unique pattern of development should be the focal point when conducting developmental assessments.
