AGE Groups PDF - Physiologic and Psychosocial Development

Physiologic Characteristics by Age Group: Infants: Recognize normal vs. abnormal vital signs. Understand reflexes in response to physical stimulation. Match age ranges with cognitive developmental milestones. Toddlers: Identify normal vs. abnormal vital signs. Explain increased susceptibility to infectious diseases. Preschoolers: Identify normal vs. abnormal vital signs. School-age Children: Identify normal vs. abnormal vital signs. Adolescents: Describe physiologic changes during adolescence. Differentiate between normal and abnormal vital signs. Adults: Compare physiologic characteristics of early, middle, and late adulthood. Differentiate between normal and abnormal vital signs. Psychosocial Characteristics by Age Group: Infants: Describe expected cognitive and emotional characteristics. Toddlers: Match age ranges with cognitive developmental milestones. Preschoolers: List benefits of social interaction. School-age Children: Describe psychosocial characteristics. Adolescents: Describe psychosocial characteristics. Adults: Compare psychosocial characteristics of early, middle, and late adulthood. Key Terms Life Span Development examines the physical and psychosocial changes from birth to death. The stages of life span development include: Infancy: The period from birth to 1 year. Toddler phase: Ages 1 to 3 years. Preschool age: Ages 3 to 6 years. School age: Ages 6 to 12 years. Adolescence: Ages 12 to 18 years. Early adulthood: Ages 18 to 40 years. Middle adulthood: Ages 40 to 65 years. Late adulthood: Ages 65 years and older. The development of an individual, such as Jamie, is tracked through these stages. Infancy (Birth to 1 Year) Infancy is characterized by rapid and phenomenal physical changes. Infants are completely dependent on others for their needs. During infancy, significant milestones include beginning to walk and developing a unique personality. Physiologic Changes As Jamie ages, her normal pulse rate and respiratory rate will decrease. Her blood pressure will increase with age. At birth, Jamie will weigh between 6.6–7.7 pounds (3.0–3.5 kg). Jamie's weight will likely double by 6 months and triple by 12 months. At birth, Jamie's head will be equal to 25 percent of her total body weight. Table 8-1 Vital Signs: Infant Heart Rate and Blood Pressure: Newborn heart rate: 100–170 bpm Infant heart rate (up to 1 year): 90–160 bpm Newborn systolic blood pressure: 50–70 mmHg Systolic blood pressure up to 1 year: about 90 mmHg Respiratory System: Respiratory volume at birth: 7–8 mL/kg, increasing to 10–15 mL/kg by 1 year Respiratory rate: 30–60 breaths/minute (0-6 months), 24-30 breaths/minute (6-12 months) Newborns have shorter, narrower, and less stable airways, making them more prone to obstruction. Primarily nose breathers until at least 4 weeks of age; nasal congestion can cause breathing difficulties. Diaphragm breathers, with more abdominal movement than chest movement. Less mature accessory muscles, leading to quicker fatigue during breathing difficulties. More susceptible to chest trauma due to less rigid chest wall and more fragile lung tissue. Immune System: Receives antibodies from the mother during pregnancy and through breastfeeding, providing initial disease protection. Will develop own antibodies through vaccination or disease exposure. Nervous System Reflexes: Moro reflex: Startle response with arm and finger extension. Palmar reflex: Grasps objects placed in the palm. Rooting reflex: Turns head toward the cheek being touched when hungry. Sucking reflex: Sucks when lips are stroked, working with the rooting reflex. Sleep Patterns: Initially sleeps 16–18 hours per day, transitioning to 4–6 hours during the day and 9–10 hours at night. By 2–4 months, typically sleeps through the night but remains easy to awaken. Skeletal System: Extremities grow in length through growth plates at the ends of long bones. Skull bones are not fused at birth; the soft spot (fontanelle) indicates hydration status. Posterior fontanelle closes by 2-3 months; anterior fontanelle closes between 9-18 months. Sunken fontanelle indicates dehydration; bulging fontanelle (without crying) suggests increased intracranial pressure. Table 8-2 Developmental Changes of the First 12 Months At 2 months, infants track objects with their eyes and recognize familiar faces. By 3 months, they move objects to their mouth with their hands and show distinct facial expressions like smiling and frowning. At 4 months, infants drool without swallowing and begin to reach out to people. By 5 months, they sleep through the night without waking for feeding and can discriminate between family and strangers. Between 5 to 7 months, infants begin to cut teeth. At 6 months, they can sit upright in a high chair and start making one-syllable sounds. By 7 months, infants exhibit fear of strangers and their moods shift quickly from crying to laughing and back. At 8 months, they begin responding to the word "no," can sit alone, and play peek-a-boo. By 9 months, infants respond to adult anger, pull themselves up to a standing position, and explore objects by mouthing, sucking, chewing, and biting. At 10 months, they pay attention to their own name and crawl well. By 11 months, infants attempt to walk without assistance and begin to show frustration about restrictions. At 12 months, they walk with help and know their own name. Psychosocial Changes Crying as Communication: Infants primarily communicate through crying, which caregivers learn to interpret for different needs such as hunger, tiredness, or discomfort. Bonding: Infants develop a sense of security when their needs are consistently met by caregivers, leading to a strong emotional bond. Trust versus Mistrust: Infants thrive in orderly and predictable environments. Inconsistent or chaotic environments can lead to anxiety and insecurity. Scaffolding: Infants learn by building on existing knowledge, with caregivers providing support to help them progress. Temperament: Infants exhibit individual differences in their reactions to their environment, which is referred to as their temperament. Table 8-3 Vital Signs: Toddler Heart Rate: 80–140 beats per minute. Respiratory Rate: 24–40 breaths per minute. Systolic Blood Pressure: For ages 1 to 10 years, mean systolic pressure is calculated as 90+(age in years×2) . For a 2-year-old, the mean systolic pressure is 94. Pulmonary System: Terminal airways branch and grow, and alveoli increase in number. Nervous System: The brain reaches 90% of adult weight, and fine-motor skills develop. Musculoskeletal System: Muscle mass and bone density increase. Immune System: Increased susceptibility to illness; immunity develops through exposure and vaccination. Teeth: All primary teeth are present by 36 months. Toilet Training: Physiologically possible by 12–15 months, but psychological readiness occurs between 18–30 months. Average completion age is 28 months. Table 8-4 Cognitive Developmental Changes from Infant to Preschooler At 12 months, a child begins to grasp that words have meaning. Between 18–24 months, a child starts to understand cause and effect and may develop separation anxiety, indicated by clinging and crying when a parent leaves. From 24–36 months, a child begins developing "magical thinking" and engages in play-acting, such as playing house. By 3–4 years, a child masters the basics of language, which will continue to be refined throughout childhood. Table 8-5 Vital Signs: Preschool Age Heart Rate: 70–120 beats per minute for ages 1 to 10 years. Respiratory Rate: 22–34 breaths per minute for ages 1 to 10 years. Systolic Blood Pressure: Mean systolic pressure is calculated as 90+(age in years×2) . For example, the mean systolic pressure for a 2-year-old is 94. Individual blood pressures can vary. Psychosocial Changes Peer groups at preschool provide information about other families and the outside world. Interactions with peers help in learning new skills. Peer interactions allow for self-comparison with others. Being part of a peer group fosters a sense of belonging. Table 8-6 Vital Signs: School Age Heart rate for ages 1 to 10 years: 65–120 beats per minute Respiratory rate for ages 1 to 10 years: 18–30 breaths per minute Mean systolic blood pressure for ages 1 to 10 years: 90+(age in years×2) Example: For a 2-year-old, mean systolic pressure is 94 Individual blood pressures can vary Loss of primary teeth and replacement with permanent teeth begins during this age range Psychosocial Changes Jamie's parents provide less direct supervision and more general oversight as she grows older. Jamie gains better decision-making skills and is given more autonomy in making decisions. Self-esteem develops and can be influenced by factors such as peer popularity, rejection, emotional support, and neglect. Negative self-esteem can significantly hinder further development. Moral development starts with rewards and punishments based on her parents' beliefs about right and wrong. As Jamie's cognitive abilities grow, her moral reasoning develops, leading to a shift from external control to internal self-control. Adolescence (13–18 Years) Life span development is a continual process involving dynamic physiologic and psychosocial changes. Infancy marks the transition from fetal life to life in the world. Adolescence involves the transition from childhood to adulthood. Late adulthood is characterized by the deterioration of systems. Physiologic Changes During this stage, a rapid growth spurt occurs over two to three years. Growth begins distally with the enlargement of feet and hands, followed by arms and legs. The chest and trunk enlarge in the final stage of growth. Girls typically finish growing by age 16, while boys finish by age 18. In late adolescence, the average male is taller and stronger than the average female. Table 8-7 Vital Signs: Adolescence Heart rate for this age group is 60–100 beats per minute. Respiratory rate is 12–20 breaths per minute. Systolic blood pressure is approximately 107-117 mmHg. Both males and females reach reproductive maturity. Secondary sexual development includes the development of external sexual organs. In females, menstruation begins and breasts develop. The American Heart Association considers the onset of puberty as the transition point from child to adult in CPR guidelines. Psychosocial Changes Adolescence often involves serious family conflicts due to the adolescent's desire for independence and the parents' desire for control. Adolescents, like Jamie, strive for independence and the development of their own identity. Interest in sex increases during adolescence, which can be embarrassing for some. Adolescents want to be treated like adults but also enjoy the comforts of childhood. Body image becomes a significant concern, leading to a higher risk of eating disorders. Self-destructive behaviors, such as using tobacco, alcohol, drugs, cutting, and unsafe driving, may begin during this period. Depression and suicide rates are alarmingly high among adolescents. Adolescents develop their capacity for logical, analytic, and abstract thinking, leading to the formation of a personal code of ethics. Table 8-8 Vital Signs: Early Adulthood Heart Rate: 60–100/minute Respiratory Rate: 12–20/minute Systolic Blood Pressure: Less than 120 Peak Physical Condition: Occurs between 19 and 26 years of age, when all body systems are at optimal performance levels. Body Slowing Process: Begins at the end of the peak physical condition period. Psychosocial Changes The highest levels of job stress occur when individuals are trying to establish their identity. Love, both romantic and affectionate, develops during this period. Childbirth is most common in this age group, introducing new challenges and stresses. Accidents are a leading cause of death in this age group. Physiologic Changes No significant changes in vital signs from early adulthood. Vision problems may start, often requiring prescription glasses. Cholesterol levels can become elevated, leading to health concerns. Increased risk of developing cancer. Weight control becomes more challenging. Menopause typically begins for women in their late 40s to early 50s. Heart disease is the leading cause of death after age 40 across all demographics. Psychosocial Changes Jamie is becoming more task-oriented as she perceives less time to achieve her lifetime goals. She views problems as challenges rather than threats. Jamie is experiencing empty-nest syndrome as her children start their own lives. This period may also bring increased freedom and opportunities for self-fulfillment. She is concerned about her children starting their new lives and about caring for her aging parents. Physiologic Changes Jamie's cardiovascular system becomes less efficient, leading to a decrease in blood volume and reduced tolerance for tachycardia. Her respiratory system deteriorates, increasing the likelihood of developing respiratory disorders. Changes in the endocrine system result in decreased metabolism. Disruptions in her sleep-wake cycle cause sleep problems. All other body systems are deteriorating over time. Psychosocial Changes Living environment: Jamie is concerned about how long she can live independently and whether she will need to move to an assisted-living facility or nursing home. Self-worth: Despite slowing down, Jamie is focused on producing quality work that benefits herself and others. Financial burdens: Jamie faces financial concerns due to limited income and increasing expenses. Death and dying: Jamie is frequently reminded of her own mortality as she sees friends and relatives become ill and die. Chapter Review Understanding physiologic and psychosocial development is crucial for effective communication and assessment of patients across different age groups. Physiologic differences impact patient care: Infants and young children have less developed and smaller respiratory structures, making respiratory conditions more severe. Older patients may have preexisting medical conditions that affect their care. Communication with younger patients varies by developmental stage: Infants and young children may experience fear of strangers and separation anxiety from parents. Adolescents may feel embarrassment. Older patients may face issues such as denial or depression related to their medical conditions. Chapter Glossary Adolescence: Stage of life from 13 to 18 years. Early Adulthood: Stage of life from 19 to 40 years. Infancy: Stage of life from birth to 1 year of age. Late Adulthood: Stage of life from 61 years and older. Middle Adulthood: Stage of life from 41 to 60 years. Moro Reflex: A response to being startled where the infant throws out both arms, spreads the fingers, then grabs with fingers and arms. Palmar Reflex: A grasping reflex where an infant grabs onto a finger placed in the infant’s palm. Preschool Age: Stage of life from 3 to 5 years. Rooting Reflex: A reflex where a hungry infant automatically turns toward the stimulus when the cheek or one side of the mouth is touched. Scaffolding: Building on what one already knows. School Age: Stage of life from 6 to 12 years. Sucking Reflex: A reflex where stroking a hungry infant’s lips causes the infant to start sucking. Temperament: The infant’s reaction to the infant’s environment. Toddler Phase: Stage of life from 12 to 36 months. Trust versus Mistrust: Concept developed from an orderly, predictable environment versus a disorderly, irregular environment. Short Answer Decreased metabolism: Older adults Toilet-trained: Toddlers Empty-nest syndrome: Middle-aged adults Noticeable development of external sex organs: Adolescents Rooting reflex: Infants Self-destructive behaviors common: Adolescents Peak physical condition: Young adults Twilight years: Elderly Infants may be unresponsive or cry when approached by EMS. Toddlers might be fearful and cling to parents. School-aged children may be curious and ask questions. Adolescents might be more independent but could also be self-conscious or embarrassed. Critical Thinking Exercises Adolescent patients can present unique challenges to EMTs. A 16-year-old girl with abdominal pain may be hesitant to answer questions due to characteristics of adolescent development. Adolescents often experience a heightened sense of privacy and self-consciousness, especially in social settings. To overcome this, EMTs should create a private and comfortable environment, ensuring confidentiality and building trust.

AGE Groups PDF - Physiologic and Psychosocial Development

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