Chapter 7: Lifespan Development

Overview

• Understanding physiological and psychosocial differences across human development.
• Discuss adaptations for patient assessment and management.

Neonates and Infants

• Neonates:

  • Age: Birth to 1 month.
  • Weight: 6-8 lbs at birth; head is 25% of body weight.
  • Transition from fetal to independent circulation at birth.
  • First breath aided by thoracic pressure; prone to nasal congestion.
  • Reflexes: Moro (startle), Palmer Grasp, Rooting, Sucking.
  • Fontanelles: Posterior closes by 3 months, Anterior by 9-18 months.

• Infants:

  • Age: 1 month to 1 year.
  • Physical Growth: Double weight by 4-6 months, triple by 1 year.
  • Nervous System: Begins tracking objects, recognizing faces.
  • Immune: Receives antibodies from mother and breastfeeding.
  • Psychosocial: Bonding, secure attachment, separation anxiety.

Toddlers and Preschoolers

• Toddlers:

  • Age: 1 to 3 years.
  • Development of autonomy vs. shame/doubt.
  • Language and basic cause/effect understanding.

• Preschoolers:

  • Age: 3 to 6 years.
  • Pulse: 80-140 bpm; Respiratory: 20-25 breaths/min.
  • Growth in reasoning skills and gender role awareness.

School-Age Children

• Age: 6 to 12 years.
• Growth: 4 lbs and 2-5 inches per year.
• Reasoning: Pre-conventional, Conventional, Post-conventional.
• Development of self-concept and self-esteem.

Adolescents (Teenagers)

• Age: 12 to 18 years.
• Vital signs stabilize to adult ranges.
• Growth spurt, muscle and bone development.
• Psychosocial: Identity formation, peer approval, risk of depression and antisocial behavior.

Early Adults

• Age: 19 to 40 years.
• Physical peak at early 20s; aging signs appear late in this range.
• Focus on work, family, and stress management.

Middle Adults

• Age: 41 to 60 years.
• Health Concerns: Vision/hearing loss, cardiovascular issues, menopause.
• Psychosocial: Achieving life goals, caring for parents and children.

Older Adults

• Age: 61 years and up.
• Life expectancy: ~78 years.
• Health: Declines in cardiovascular, respiratory, and renal functions.
• Brain weight decreases; slower nervous system.
• Psychosocial: High brain function retained till late, issues of mortality and isolation.

Key Questions and Concepts

• Infant Lung Fragility: Importance of gentle ventilations.
• Attachment Types: Anxious avoidant attachment in neglected infants.
• Toddler Immunity: Loss of passive immunity and exposure risks.
• Adolescent Risks: High suicide rate due to identity struggles.
• Middle Adult Finances: Supporting children and aging parents.
• Elderly Respiration: More intense due to various physiological changes.