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.
Children between 5 and 12 years can express themselves; hence the healthcare provider can get reasonable and accurate medical information. It is necessary to obtain consent from the parent before beginning the physical assessment. The healthcare provider will first document the date, age, and reason for the visit. Next will be the interim history of the child since he/ she was last seen, followed by the current concerns. The present history is documented logically and chronologically. A review of past medical history and family medical history is then conducted. This includes information concerning the dates for hospitalizations and surgeries and the illnesses the children suffered from. A review of medications is then performed, which involves writing the names, dosages, frequency of prescription, and the use of alternative therapies. The patient's allergies to food, drugs, and the environment is then written down. This is followed by the social history, which involves getting information about the caregiver.
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Nutritional assessment is then conducted, which includes fluid intake, food groups consumed, portion sizes, urination, schooling, and parent's concerns regarding nutrition. A mental health assessment is then conducted, which includes asking questions concerning stress, sleep, parenting, behavioral changes, and cases of child abuse. Developmental assessment is then conducted, including details regarding school performance, engagement in co-curricular activities, effective communication, and interpersonal relationships.
A review of the systems is then conducted, including taking the vital signs such as temperature, weight, height, pulse, respiration rate, and blood pressure. An assessment of the general appearance of the head, eyes, ears, nose, mouth, and teeth is then conducted. The systems that will be assessed include head, neck, oropharynx, cardiovascular, respiratory, genitalia, abdominal, musculoskeletal, neurological, and skin. Physical examination is usually conducted through palpation, inspection, percussion, and auscultation. The inspection involves the visual observation of the patient. Inspection can be conducted using bare hands or using special instruments. Palpation is used to determine the specific characteristics of different body parts.
Different parts of the hand are used during palpation. For example, the finger pad is used to assess the breast while the fingertips are used to palpate the lymph nodes and pulses. The back of the hand is used to palpate temperature, while the palm is used to detect vibrations. Percussion involves detecting the size, position, and size of the organs. The method used for percussion is determined by the body organ. Auscultation consists of assessing the sounds made by the heart, lungs, blood vessels, and abdomen. Auscultation is conducted using a stethoscope.
To ensure the assessment meets the age- group of the child, the assessment can be tailored towards the specific areas the child is complaining about. For example, while it is necessary to assess the whole body, it is essential to palpate the neck to determine whether there are swollen lymph nodes and use the back of the hand to detect temperature when the child is suffering from fever. Besides, the healthcare provider can use the ability of children to express themselves to distinguish children of different ages. For example, children aged 5-7 years cannot communicate their problems effectively, and hence they would need the caregiver's help. On the other hand, children between 8-11 years can answer the questions asked effectively. Additionally, children between 5-7 years would require toys to be distracted during assessment since they cannot keep calm. However, older children between 8-11 years can concentrate on the assessment well since they understand the rules of reward and punishment.
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.
An 8- year child is usually at the middle childhood stage of development. The typical developmental stages typically occur in the physical, emotional, social, and cognitive domains. Physically, children aged 8 years will be refining their skills in coordination and controlling muscles. The key milestones that children at this age achieve include developing a more smooth combination of the locomotor and motor skills (children can spin, turn and jump) and experience improved muscle control; hence can easily use musical instruments and other tools (Morin, 2020). Emotionally, children aged 8 years portray more sophisticated and complex emotions and interactions. At this stage, children understand the different points of view among people. Children desire more privacy and develop self-confidence. Children may seek the help of caregivers at times and portray effective coping mechanisms towards failure, frustration, and disappointment.
Socially, the child will develop close attachments with peer group members. An 8 years old child will enjoy being in school since they will have developed close relationships with peers and classmates. Usually, children form friendships with peers of the same gender. Since children can understand another person’s point of view, they will portray various social skills such as generosity, support, and kindness (Centres for Disease Control and Prevention 2021). Also, children adhere to the rules set and develop fair rules that enhance an organized group play. Cognitively, children will improve in their speech and language functions. At this age, children develop more vocabulary and can use irony and humor while communicating. Also, children engage in the play activities they have been exposed to in the earlier phases of life. For example, while some children would prefer playing sports, others are creative and engage in music, dance, and performing. In addition, children are more attentive at this age and can use abstract concepts to solve mathematical problems.
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.
Based on Erick Erickson's theory, an 8-year-old child is at the industry vs. inferiority stage of development. The theory argues that the child's social circle expands at this stage. Children gain new friends as they interact with their peers (Cherry, 2020). Social interactions enable children to develop a feeling of pride in their abilities and accomplishments. Friends and classmates play an imperative role in shaping the child's social world. Children build proficiency in their play and schoolwork, enabling them to be competent and pride in their abilities. Feelings of competence and capability would allow children to develop a strong self-concept. When children feel their talents and abilities are valued by others, they will develop self-confidence (Maree, 2020). However, feelings of inadequacy lead to an inferiority complex.
Assessment of the child aged 8 years would majorly concentrate on the interaction of a child with peers. Erickson argued that this stage is essential in developing the child's self-confidence. Children who usually receive praise and admiration in school after performing small tasks such as reading, drawing, writing, and solving problems develop self-confidence (Chung, 2018). These children will be outspoken and openly socialize with their peers. On the other hand, children who are not talented and who do not receive praise develop feelings of inadequacy and inferiority. These children are likely to withdraw from their peers and seek solitude socially.
During the assessment process, the explanations will be based on Erickson's theory of psychosocial development. I would communicate that an eight-year-old is at the industry vs. inferiority stage. I would then assess the child's level of socialization and determine whether he/ she has developed self-confidence or inferiority complex. To gain the child’s cooperation, I would let them understand that I will punish them if they are not attentive. Since they understand the rules of rewards and punishment, they are likely to adhere to the assessment process. The findings from the assessment would indicate whether the child has self-confidence or low self-esteem.
References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (February 22, 2021). Middle childhood (6-8 years of age). https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/childdevelopment/positiveparenting/middle.html
Cherry, K. (April 14, 2020). Industry vs. inferiority in psychosocial development. VeryWell Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/industry-versus-inferiority-2795736
Chung, D. (2018). The eight stages of psychosocial protective development: Developmental psychology. Journal of Behavioural and Brain Science. 8: 369- 398.
Maree, J. G. (2020). The psychosocial development theory of Erik Erikson: Critical overview. Early Childhood Development and Care. https://doi.org/10.1080/03004430.2020.1845163
Morin, A. (July 27, 2020). 8- Year-old child developmental milestones. VeryWell Family. https://www.verywellfamily.com/8-year-old-developmental-milestones-620729
