NCM 107 CARE OF CHILD AND ADOLESCENTS (LECTURE)
FINALS SCHOOL AGE & ADOLESCENTS
Hannah Adan 1
DEVELOPMENTAL STAGES OF SCHOOL AGE
(6-12)
PHYSICAL
• Height
o Girls usually grow faster than boys;
o Growth is about 2 inches (5 cm) per year
between ages 6 and 12;
o Height ranges from 45 inches (115 cm) at age
6 to 59 inches (150 cm) at age 12
• Weight
o Gains weight at a rate of about 4½ to 6½
pounds (2 to 3 kg) per year;
o Average weight is 46 pounds (21 kg) at age 6
and 88 pounds (40 kg) at age 12
• Sleep
o Sleep requirements range from 10 to 12 hours
a night
DENTAL CARE
• The first permanent (secondary) teeth erupt around
age 6, and deciduous teeth are lost gradually
• Regular dentist visits are necessary, and the school-
age child needs to be supervised with brushing and
flossing Oteeth; fluoride supplements may be
necessary if the water is not fluoridated
• For school-age children with primary and
permanent dentition, the best toothbrush is one with
soft nylon bristles and an overall length of about 6
inches (15 cm)
VITAL SIGNS
• Temperature: 7.5°F 98.6°1 (36.4°C to 37°C)
• Apical Heart Rate: 60 to 100 beats/minute
• Respirations: 18 to 20 breaths/ minute
• Blood Pressure: Average, 107/64 mm Hg
NUTRITION
> School age wil have creased growth needs as they
approacH adolescence
> Children require a balanced diet from foods in the
MyPlate food guide; healthy snacks should
continue to be emphasized to prevent childhood
obesity
> Children still may be picky eaters but are usually
willing to try new foods
SKILLS
• School-age children refinement of fine motor skills
• Development of gross motor skills continues
• Strength and endurance increase
PLAY
> Play is more competitive
> Rules and rituals are important aspects of play and
games
> The school-age child enjoys drawing, collecting
items, dolls, pets, guessing games, board games,
listening to the radio, TV, reading, watching videos
or DVDs, and computer games
> The child participates in team sports
> The child may participate in secret clubs, group peer
activities, and scout organizations
SAFETY
> The school-age child experiences less fear in play
activities and frequently imitates real life by using
tools and household items
> Major causes of injuries include bicycles,
skateboards, and team sports as the child increases
in motor abilities and independence
> Children should always wear a helmet when riding
a bike or using inline skates or skateboards
> Teach the child water safety rules
> Guns should be stored unloaded and secured
under lock and key (ammunition should be locked
in a separate place
> Instruct the child to avoid teasing or playing roughly
with animals
> Teach the child never to play with matches or
lighters. The child should be taught what to do in
the event of a fire or if clothes catch fire; fire drills
should be practiced with the child
> Teach the child traffic safety rules
> Teach the preschooler how to dial 911 in an
emergency situation
> Keep the Poison Control Center number available
> NOTE:
o Teach the preschooler and school-age
child that if another person touches his or
her body in an inappropriate way, an adult
should be told. Also teach the child to
avoid speaking to strangers and never to
accept a ride, toys, or gifts from a stranger
DEVELOPMENTAL STAGES OF ADOLESCENTS
(13-18)
PHYSICAL
• Puberty is the maturational, hormonal, and growth
process that occurs when the reproductive organs
begin to function and the secondary sex
characteristics develop
• Body mass increases to adult size
• Sebaceous and sweat glands become active and
fully functional
• Body hair distribution occurs
• Increases in height, weight, breast development,
and pelvic girth occur in girls
• Menstrual periods occur about 2½ years after the
onset of puberty
• In boys, increases in height, weight, muscle mass,
and penis and testicle size occur
• The voice deepens in boys
• Normal weight gain during puberty: Girls gain 15 to
55 pounds (7 to 25 kg); boys gain 15 to 65 pounds (7
to 30 kg)
• Careful brushing and care of the teeth are
important, and many adolescents need to wear
braces
• Sleep patterns include a tendency to stay up late;
therefore, in an attempt to catch up on missed
sleep, adolescents sleep late whenever possible; an
overall average of 8 hours per night is
recommended
VITAL SIGNS
• Temperature: oral 7.5°F to 98.6°F (36.4°C to 37°C)
• Apical Heart Rate: 55 to 90 beats/ minute
• Respirations: 12 to 20 breaths/minute
• Blood Pressure: Average, 121/ 70 mm Hg
NUTRITION
> Teaching about MyPlate is important
> Adolescents typically eat whenever they have a
break in activities
> Calcium, zinc, iron, folic acid, and protein are
especially important nutritional needs
