Developmental Assessment and the School-Aged Child
Developmental Assessment and the School-Aged Child essay assignment
Developmental Assessment and the School-Aged Child essay assignment
The physical assessment of school-aged children should entail a complete head-to-toe examination or comprehensive exam of each body system. The vital signs, height, weight, and mid-upper arm circumference is monitored for all ages (Chiocca, 2010). Blood pressure monitoring requires the use of a different cuff depending on the child’s age and mid-arm circumference. A vision test is performed with a Snellen’s chart, and the child should be assessed for strabismus, nystagmus and the range of eye movements (Chiocca, 2010). A dental exam should be done for all children; 6-8-year-olds should be assessed for the eruption of secondary teeth and shedding of primary teeth (Chiocca, 2010). Children aged 9-12 year are examined for dental cavities or delay in the growth of secondary teeth.
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When assessing a school-aged child, I would modify the assessment approach by starting with the assessment of the body parts that require the child to cooperate (Press, 2015). For instance, if the child has respiratory symptoms, I will begin with assessing the nose, chest, lungs, and heart and finalize with the musculoskeletal system. Besides, painful procedures will be done last, and I will explain to the child the discomfort associated with the assessment or procedure and the time it will last before proceeding (Press, 2015). If the child had a complaint of pain in a specific body, I would examine the area last to avoid discomfort in the entire assessment. For the younger child aged 5-7 years, I will encourage the caregiver to be present or to hold them to promote cooperation (Press, 2015). Furthermore, I will ensure I screen the child during the examination and instruct the child to uncover only the part that is being examined and re-clothe it to avoid embarrassment and discomfort.
The needs of the pediatric patient differ depending on age, as do the stages of development and the expected assessment findings for each stage. In a 500-750-word paper, examine the needs of a school-aged child between the ages of 5 and 12 years old and discuss the following:
1. Compare the physical assessments among school-aged children. Describe how you would modify assessment techniques to match the age and developmental stage of the child.
2. Choose a child between the ages of 5 and 12 years old. Identify the age of the child and describe the typical developmental stages of children that age.
3. Applying developmental theory based on Erickson, Piaget, or Kohlberg, explain how you would developmentally assess the child. Include how you would offer explanations during the assessment, strategies you would use to gain cooperation, and potential findings from the assessment.
Prepare this assignment according to the guidelines found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center. An abstract is not required.