This is one of four courses dealing with Age Specific Criteria:  The four courses are for Children, Adolescents, Adults and Geriatrics.  It is advised that each of these be reviewed when possible.

INTRODUCTION:

Each patient is an individual. However, developmental similarities can be recognized and used to assist us in caring for these patients at a specific time in their growth and development. Growth occurs proximodistally from the center out and development refers to the acquisition of skills and abilities that take place throughout life. As we grow and mature, most of us will pass through similar growth and developmental stages.

The best way to care for patients will differ as people pass through the different growth and development stages. The way you care for an infant will differ from your care for and communication with children, teenagers, adults and the geriatric population.

At each level, you will learn:

1. "Normal" and common "problems" associated with each developmental stage.

2. How to care for and communicate effectively with each stage of growth and development.

AGE GROUP DIVISION.

Although, this is a general division of age groups, it is important to recognize that this is not a specific universal division and that people may pass in and out of these developmental stages as they grow and develop.

CHILD:

There are three stages to child-hood.

Infant is defined as birth to one year of age.

Toddler / Preschooler is defined as one year to five years of age.

School age child is defined as six years to 12 years of age.

 

ADOLESCENT:

Adolescents are defined as Thirteen years to 19 years of age.

ADULT:

Adult is defined as 19 to 64 years of age.

GERIATRIC:

Geriatric is defined at 64 years of age to death.

ADOLESCENT: THIRTEEN – NINETEEN YEARS OF AGE

The adolescent years are often referred to as the turmoil years for both the child and the family. As the adolescent passes through childhood into adulthood, a teenager develops his/her own set of values, self worth and identity. These developments are often obtained by testing and experimenting. Little by little, the adolescent pulls away from family and caregivers as they begin to assert their independence. Peer groups are important. A strong desire to belong with in a group often result in peer pressure and experimentation with sex, drugs, poor nutrition and other potential stresses for the adolescent. Often, the adolescent will feel extremely self-conscious about his/her appearance as they are maturing sexually. Because of the changes in physical development and psychological changes and pressures, you will need to observe for such problems as poor nutrition, teen pregnancy, alcohol, and drug abuse. In addition to observation good communication are essential as the teenager is pulling away from parents and caregivers they may be more open to teachings and suggestions from a health care worker.

RISKS:

Teen Pregnancy

Alcohol and Drug Abuse

Sexually Transmitted Diseases.

Teen Suicide

Contraception

Motor Vehicle Accidents

Nutrition

 

HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONAL CONSIDERATIONS:

Because the teen's body is growing so rapidly, he needs more calories than he did as a child did. However, diet their diet should still be well balanced and varied. Because of peer pressures, food fads are common. These should not be discouraged as the teenager needs to feel that they are the same and fit in with their friends. Encourage them to eat foods high in calcium and protein for the rapid bone growth. As females begin to menstruate, encouraging her to eat a diet high in iron to compensate for the loss during menses.

PREVENTING TEENAGE SUICIDE:

Teen suicide is the third leading cause of death in the teenager. It is essential that we observe for the signs and symptoms of teen suicide. Most common methods of suicide are gunshot wound, drug and alcohol overdose or carbon monoxide poisoning by automobile exhaust. Most teens that have successfully committed suicide have made at least one attempt in the past.

DANGER SIGNS:

Talks frequently about death or about the hopelessness of life.

Dramatic mood changes.

Appears sad or expresses feelings of hopelessness.

Shows loss of interest in friends or previous activities.

Increasingly withdrawn or spends more and more time alone.

Decrease in school grades or activities.

Exhibits behavioral changes that suggest drug alcohol use.

Giving away possessions

Apathy about the future.

Teach parents, teachers and other health care workers the danger signs. Advise parents and caregivers never to take any behavior in the teenager for granted. If they think something is wrong, follow their gut instincts there probably is something wrong.

CONTRACEPTION AND TEEN PREGNANCY:

More than one million American teenagers give birth each year resulting from an unplanned pregnancy. Many more of these pregnancies result in termination or abortion. To foster communication and help prevent such unwanted pregnancy, you will need to provide basic birth control information to the teenager seeking advice from you. Below are a few suggestions for birth-control information.

• Most reliable form of contraception is abstinence.
• Most accessible is condoms and spermicidal jelly. Encourage the teens to use both methods simultaneously. Recommend condoms and spermicidal jelly containing nonoxynol – 9.
• Provide information on safe condom use. Some suggestions are:

Use latex condoms only

Avoid using condoms in damaged packages

Handle carefully to prevent breakage.

Put condom on before and genital contact.

Leave space at the tip of the condom to collect semen, be sure no air is left in the tip of the condom.

Use only water-based lubricants, as oil or petroleum based lubricants can break down the latex and cause them to fail.

Hold base of condom after ejaculation during withdrawal.

Store in a cool dry place out of the sun

Never reuse condoms.

                        Birth control pills: though effective against pregnancy they will not prevent                           STD’S.

MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENTS:

Despite of increased community awareness, the efforts of MADD and SADD (mothers against drunk drivers and Students against drunk drivers) alcohol related motor vehicle accidents still rank as the leading cause of teenage deaths. Other factors contributing to this are driving under the influence of marijuana or other drugs. Encourage teens to use seat belts, not to drink and drive or use drugs. Talk with them about designated drivers and calling for help when drinking has occurred.

ALCOHOL AND DRUG USE:

It is estimated that over 3-million teens between the ages of 14 and 17 are considered problem drinkers. Problem drinkers are defined as someone who becomes intoxicated at least once a month. Teenagers today consume 30%more alcohol each year than the teens of thirty years ago. Because of their immaturity, they tend to drink larger quantities and thus are more apt to become intoxicated when they drink.

The United States still leads the developed industrial world in overall drug abuse rate. The most common of drugs in the teen population are Marijuana, various stimulants such as crack, cocaine and amphetamines (speed). Common hallucinogens include LSD and PCP.

COMMUNICATION:

Communication with the adolescent can be most difficult. Often they look upon parents and teachers as authority figures. As this is a time marked by independence and rebellion, communication and teaching by a health care worker can prevent illness and or injury. Often the adolescent will be argumentative or have an attitude of "I know it all". The best way to deal with the adolescent in this type of situation is to maintain control of the interview and conversation. Do not waste time arguing with the teenager. Listen to them without showing disapproval. Try to relax, speak in firm quite tones and use short sentences.

MEDCEU Continuing Education Courses CEU for Nurses and Healthcare Professional

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