Question

Module 4

·         Select a developmental age group.

·         Describe one way the RN’s physical assessment is unique for the developmental age you selected

·         Discuss a health promotion focus specific for the developmental age selected

Base your initial post on your readings and research of this topic. Your initial post must contain a minimum of 250 words. References, citations, and repeating the question do not count towards the 250 word minimum.

Answer 1

* Infant group - first month to 18 months - Very crucial and delicate developmental stage.

* RN’s physical assessment:

a. Inspection. Visual examination of a person is called inspection. This is done in an orderly manner, focusing on one area of the body at a time.

b. Palpation. Examination by touch is called palpation). The nurses feels for texture, size, consistency, and location of body parts.

c. Auscultation. Examination by listening for sounds produced within the body is called auscultation. The sounds most frequently listened for are those of the abdominal and thoracic viscera and the movement of blood in the cardiovascular system. Direct auscultation, using the ear only, is seldom done. Indirect auscultation is generally carried out with a stethoscope.

d. Percussion. Examination of the body by tapping it with the fingers is called percussion . Percussion is a special assessment skill that the practical nurse is not required to perform. This technique is usually performed by a registered nurse (RN) or a physician.

e. Cognitive/Intellectual development

f. Physical development

g. Motor development

h. Socio emotional

i. language and communications

j. Individual differences

Infant - health promotion

Many common problems of infancy require clinical care by a physician or other health care professional. Listed in the directory below are some, for which we have provided a brief overview.

Crying :

Some techniques to help console a crying baby include the following:

• Take care of physical problems first--hunger, diaper change, need to burp.

• Walk with baby in a sling or in a stroller.

• Rock your baby in a rhythmic, gentle motion.

• Try a baby swing or rocking cradle.

• Gently pat or stroke on the back or chest.

• Try swaddling the baby.

• Go for a ride in the car.

Diapers / Diaper Rash:

*Change diapers frequently

*Gentle cleaning

*Pat dry or leave diapers off for a while

*Petroleum jelly (Vaseline) provides a good protective coating, even on sore, reddened skin, and is easily cleaned

Fever in a Newborn :

Adults have a tightly controlled thermostat to help keep their body temperature at a normal level. When you are cold, You shiver, helping to raise your body temperature. When you are overheated, you sweat to help you cool off. These mechanisms are not completely developed in newborns. Newborns also lack the insulating fat layer that older babies and children have.

Because a newborn's temperature regulation system is immature, your baby may not have a fever with infection or illness. Fever in babies can be caused by other, more serious things. Call your baby's doctor immediately if your baby is younger than 3 months old and has a rectal temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher.

Measuring a Baby's Temperature

Gastrointestinal Problems

Seborrheic Dermatitis: Also called cradle cap, seborrheic dermatitis in the infant is characterized by fine, white scales. However, seborrheic dermatitis can also occur in the diaper area, face, neck, and trunk. Seborrheic dermatitis in this age group usually clears within the first year.

Treatment is usually effective in helping symptoms and may include:

• Rubbing the scalp with baby oil or petroleum jelly (to soften crusts before washing)

• Special shampoo, as prescribed by your child's physician

• Corticosteroid cream or lotion