(Chapter 7) Life Span Development

Question 1

What are fontanelles?

Answer 1

Soft spots in a newborn’s skull.

Question 2

What is the age range for an infant?

Answer 2

From 1 month to 1 year of age.

Question 3

What is the age range for a neonate?

Answer 3

From birth to 1 month (28 days).

Question 4

What is the age range for a toddler?

Answer 4

From 1 to 3 years of age.

Question 5

What is the age range for a preschooler?

Answer 5

From 3 to 6 years of age.

Question 6

What are the vital signs of a neonate? (Respirations)

Answer 6

• Respirations: 30-60 breaths per minute.
• Pulse: 140-160 beats per minute.
• Blood Pressure: ~70 systolic.

Question 7

How does a neonate’s weight change during the first year?

Answer 7

• Birth weight is about 6-8 pounds.
• Weight doubles by 6 months and triples by 1 year.

Question 8

When do a neonate’s fontanelles fully fuse?

Answer 8

By about 18 months of age.

Question 9

What are the reflexes present in neonates?

Answer 9

• 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.

Question 10

What are the developmental milestones of an infant at 6 months?

Answer 10

• Begins teething.
• Can sit upright.
• Tracks objects visually.

Question 11

What are the developmental milestones of an infant at 12 months?

Answer 11

• Recognizes name.
• Walks with assistance.
• Speaks a few words.
• Communicates distress through crying.

Question 12

What are the vital signs of a toddler (1-3 years)?

Answer 12

• Respirations: 20-30 breaths per minute.
• Heart Rate: 90-140 beats per minute.
• Blood Pressure: 80-90 systolic.

Question 13

What milestones are typical of toddlers?

Answer 13

• Walks and climbs.
• Potty-trained.
• Recognizes basic shapes and colors.

Question 14

What are the vital signs of a preschooler (3-6 years)?

Answer 14

• Respirations: 20-25 breaths per minute.
• Heart Rate: 80-130 beats per minute.
• Blood Pressure: 90-110 systolic.

Question 15

What milestones are typical of preschoolers?

Answer 15

• Physically coordinated.
• Communicates well verbally.
• Knows name and address.
• Can count to 10 or more.

Question 16

What are general recommendations for interacting with children?

Answer 16

1. Allow children to stay with caregivers to reduce separation anxiety.
2. Communicate directly with children.
3. Use literal language—avoid lies.

Question 17

What are the vital signs for school-age children (6-12 years)?

Answer 17

• Respirations: 15-20 breaths per minute.
• Heart Rate: 70-110 beats per minute.
• Blood Pressure: 90-120 systolic.

Question 18

What physiological changes occur in school-age children?

Answer 18

• Permanent teeth replace baby teeth.
• The musculoskeletal system grows rapidly.

Question 19

What are typical developmental milestones for school-age children?

Answer 19

• 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.

Question 20

How should you communicate with school-age children?

Answer 20

• Use understandable terms but avoid talking down to them.
• Respect their privacy rights.

Question 21

What are the vital signs for adolescents (12-18 years)?

Answer 21

• Respirations: 12-20 breaths per minute.
• Heart Rate: 60-100 beats per minute.
• Blood Pressure: 100-120 systolic.

Question 22

What physiological changes occur in adolescents?

Answer 22

• Significant physical growth over ~3 years.
• Puberty occurs.
• Eating disorders are common, especially in females up to age 25.

Question 23

What behaviors are typical of adolescents?

Answer 23

• 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.

Question 24

How should you approach sensitive matters with adolescents?

Answer 24

Talk to them privately without caregivers present when possible.

Question 25

What are the stages of adulthood?

Answer 25

- Early Adulthood: 20-40 years. - Middle Adulthood: 40-60 years. - Late Adulthood: 60+ years.

Question 26

What are the vital signs for adults?

Answer 26

- Respirations: 12-20 breaths per minute. - Heart Rate: 60-100 beats per minute. - Blood Pressure: 110/70 to 130/90.

Question 27

What are key characteristics of adulthood?

Answer 27

- 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.