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.

ADULT: AGES TWENTY THROUGH SIXTY-FOUR

There are many issues facing adults today. In this program, we will discuss a few of them. For young adults beginning careers to the older adult preparing for retirement. There are many problems both physical and psychological that they will be facing during this period of growth and development.

For the younger adult he/she is moving away from the family unit and starting a home and family of their own. The older adult preparing for retirement selling the family home or moving into a smaller home. Changes in family structure and the preparation by the younger adult for the eventual decline in health are all issues facing the adult during this stage of growth and development.

As health care workers, we can recognize that the actual growth of the body has ended. However there are physiological changes that occur and we can through our teaching can help the adult recognize and correct habits that may lead them to fall victim to a number health problems, including heart disease and cancer. Although there is a genetic link to some of these health problems, many are linked to unhealthy habits such as overeating, smoking, lack of exercise and/or alcohol and drug abuse.

RISKS:

Obesity

Hypertension

Heart Disease

Cancer

Stroke

Smoking

Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD’s)

HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONAL CONSIDERATIONS:

Obesity, Heart Disease and Hypertension, Stoke and even Cancer can be combated and even prevented. The health care worker can assist the adult in combating these risks by teaching them good habits and exercise as well at teaching them the signs and symptoms of these diseases.

NUTRITION:

Research has shown us that a strong correlation exists between diet and certain diseases. Once poor eating habits are acquired, it is difficult to change these patterns. Encourage your patient to eat only the amount of calories necessary to maintain optimal body weight. Limited amounts of saturated fats, cholesterol salt and sugar are recommended. Increased amounts of whole grains, cereals, fruits and vegetables are ideal. Decrease the amount of red meat consumption by suggesting foods such as chicken, fish and legumes.

By teaching the adult to obtain and maintain such healthy eating habits, you can help him reduce the risk of acquiring or aggravating such diseases.

EXERCISE:

Activity levels in the adult decline rapidly from the adolescent stage. Organized sports programs and free time are now limited to the adult as they enter and continue in the work force. Teach your patient the many benefits of a regular exercise program. To promote optimal cardiovascular fitness the healthy adult should exercise vigorously at least three times a week for 20 to 30 minutes. Vigorous exercise helps the body metabolize fats and carbohydrates which may help prevent atherosclerosis, increase energy, productivity and the ability to cope with stress.

STRESS:

Everyone has stress in his or her everyday lives. In fact, a small amount of stress can lead the adult to better cope in his every day life, respond to the environment, and improve performance. While, chronic, overwhelming or multiple stresses can lead to illness, depression, and alcohol and drug abuse. Observe for the adult who is under a lot of stress or appears to be having some difficulty coping with his/her daily life. Encourage them to talk about their daily routine, to seek assistance in managing stress through community workshops, family and employers. Discuss with them ways to reduce stress such as humor, relaxation techniques, exercise and breathing techniques can all help the adult better cope with stress. Encourage them to plan stresses when possible so that they do not feel so overwhelmed and may manage them more effectively.

SAFETY RISK:

SMOKING:

Smokers have an increased risk of developing Cancer, Lung Disease, Heart Disease and Stroke over the non-smoking adult. Smokers have a 70% greater chance of a premature death than the non-smoker does. Encourage the adult who smokes to talk to his physician about kicking the habit as there are many new programs and medications that can help minimize the withdrawal symptoms.

STD’S:

As in the adolescent, the adult remains at risk for contracting any number of sexually transmitted diseases, especially during the earlier years of adult hood. Encourage safe sexual practices with the adult. (See adolescent for details).

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF ILLNESS:

Teach the adult patient to recognize the signs and symptoms of illnesses associated with this period of growth and development. Knowledge of the early signs and symptoms of illness can assist the adult in seeking appropriate assistance and intervention which can prove to be life saving.

BREAST/CERVICAL CANCER:

Women in the adult years have specific concerns of Breast and Cervical cancer. Although men can get breast cancer as well, a disease mostly affects females. One in eight women will develop breast cancer if she lives to the age of 85. Encourage your patient’s to learn and practice self-breast exams as well as the benefits of Mammography. There are many pamphlets available to the adult patient on how to perform a self-breast exam. Check with your supervisor or the radiation department of your hospital to see if you can obtain them for your patients. The American Cancer Society recommends that all women get a baseline mammogram between the ages of 35 and 45 then every one to two years form age 40 to 49, and annually for the adult age 50 and beyond.

Cervical Cancer deaths have declined by more than 70% in the last 40 years largely due to regular examinations and the Papanicolaou test or PAP Smear. Encourage your adult patients to see their doctor annually for a physical exam and to include a PAP smear with that exam.

LUNG CANCER:

Lung cancer is generally progressed by the time symptoms of the disease become evident. Encourage the adult smoker to quit smoking and to see their physician on a regular basis. Focus attention on those adults who are at risk for lung cancer such as smokers and those people exposed to asbestos. The warning symptoms of lung cancer are persistent cough, blood-streaked sputum, and chest pain and weight loss.

COLORECTAL CANCER:

Historically, colorectal cancer has affected men more than it has affected women. However, the incidents of colorectal cancer in the female are on the rise. It is important to teach all adults to observe for changes in bowel habits, unexplained weight loss, bloody stools, and dark tarry or coffee ground looking stools. Any of these symptoms should prompt the adult to seek immediate medical attention.

TESTICULAR CANCER:

88% of testicular cancer has spread by the time they are diagnosed. Teaching the adult male to perform self-exam and the signs and symptoms of testicular cancer could save his life. Testicular cancer generally strikes men between the ages of 20 and 35. Teach the adult male these signs and symptoms: Observe for an enlargement or change in the testes and / or a heaviness, dragging or sharp pain and discomfort in the testes. Ask your supervisor or radiation department for teaching materials you can provide to the adult male describing and showing how to perform a testicular self exam.

PROSTRATE CANCER:

This is the second most common cancer to afflict men. Teach the following signs and symptoms: Weak or interrupted flow during urination, inability to urinate or lack of control of urine flow, nocturia, (frequency of urination at night) blood in the urine, pain during urination, pain in the back, pelvis and upper thighs. Encourage your adult patient to seek medical attention if these symptoms occur.

HEART ATTACK (MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION):

Teach all adults the signs and symptoms of a MI even if they are not at risk. They may recognize a MI in someone else and seek appropriate assistance.

Complaint of chest pain often described as heavy crushing or squeezing type pain.

Shortness of breath.

Diaphoresis (sweating).

Pallor or gray washed out skin color.

Nausea.

Pain in chest may radiate down either arm to the back, shoulder blades and or jaws. Often people will complain of indigestion. Rarely will someone with indigestion

Become diaphoretic, nauseous and pale.

Teach them to seek immediate assistance by calling 911 do not transport a patient with chest pain and to make the person as comfortable as possible. Above all, remain CALM.

CEREBRAL VASCULAR ACCIDENT (CVA OR STROKE)

Explain to the adult patient that mini strokes or transient ischemic attacks are often warnings for an impending major cerebral event. Teach them the signs and symptoms of the CVA such as sudden weakness in arms, legs face or one side of the body. The loss of speech or the ability to understand when spoken to. Sudden loss or blurring of vision, (usually one eye) coordination, dizziness, unsteady gaits and balances and sudden unexplained falls. Any or all of these symptoms may appear temporally. If ignored a major stroke could occur. Encourage the adult patient to seek medical advice if any of these symptoms occur.

COMMUNICATION:

It is imperative as health care workers that we get the message of wellness across to the adult patient. As they are often busy, a brief discussion and pamphlets or written materials work best. Talk with your supervisor about the availability of teaching aids on your unit. Remember to assess what the adult knows, to use uncomplicated or common terminology. Use correct words when describing body parts and medical conditions, don’t use childish words and phrases they are adults and we need to remember that. Don’t overwhelm the patient with to much information at one sitting or with terminology that is intimidating or insulting to the adult patient.

MEDCEU Continuing Education Courses CEU for Nurses and Healthcare Professional

 Home Page