Ch. 08 Human Growth and Development
is the final stage. Patients understand and accept the fact that they are going to die. Patients may complete unfinished business and try to help those around them deal with the oncoming death. Gradually, patients separate themselves from the world and other people. At the end, they are at peace and can die with dignity.
acceptance
refers to feelings and includes dealing with love, hate,joy, fear, excitement, and other similar feelings.
emotional
care can play an important role in meeting the needs of the dying patient. Hospice care offers palliative care, or care that provides support and comfort. It can be offered in hospitals, medical centers, and special facilities, but most frequently, it is offered in the patient's home.
hospice
This involves using a reasonable excuse or acceptable explanation for behavior to avoid the real reason or true motivation. For example, a patient who fears having laboratory tests performed may tell the health provider, "I can't take time off from my job," rather than admit fear.
Rationalization
occurs when patients accept death but want more time to live. Frequently, this is a period when patients turn to religion and spiritual beliefs. At this point, the will to live is strong, and patients fight hard to achieve goals set.
bargaining
ages 12 to 18, is often a traumatic life stage. Physical changes occur most dramatically in the early period. A sudden "growth spurt" can cause rapid increases in weight and height. A weight gain of up to 25 pounds (11 kg) and a height increase of several inches can occur in a period of months.
adolescence
includes feeling important and worthwhile. When others show respect, approval, and appreciation, an individual begins to feel esteem and gains self-respect.
esteem
This involves transferring feelings about one person to someone else. Displacement usually occurs because individuals cannot direct the feelings toward the person who is responsibl
displacement
This involves retreating to a previous developmental level that provided more safety and security than the current level an individual is experiencing.
regression
age 65 and older, has many different terms associated with it. These include “elderly," "senior citizen,” “golden ager,” and "retired citizen." Much attention has been directed toward this life stage in recent years because people are living longer, and the number of people in this age group is increasing daily.
late adulthood
a warm and tender feeling for another person, occupies the third level of Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs.
affection
occurs when the patient is no longer able to deny death. Statements such as "Why me?" or "It's your fault" are common. Patients may strike out at anyone who comes in contact with them and become hostile and bitter. They may blame themselves, their loved ones, or health care personnel for their illnesses
Anger
19–40, is frequently the most productive life stage. Physical development is basically complete, muscles are developed and strong, and motor coordination is at its peak.
early adulthood
This involves the transfer of unacceptable or painful ideas, feelings, and thoughts into the unconscious mind. An individual is not aware that this is occurring. When feelings or emotions become too painful or frightening for the mind to deal with, repressio
repression
needs include the need to be free from anxiety and fear, and the need to feel secure in the environment.
safety
from 1–6 years of age, physical growth is slower than during infancy. By age 6, the average weight is 45 pounds
early childhood
refers to the measurable physical changes that occur throughout a person's life. Examples include height, weight, body shape, head circumference, physical characteristics, development of sexual organs, and dentition (dental structure)
growth
This involves placing the blame for one's own actions or inadequacies on someone else or on circumstances rather than accepting
Projection
Infant develops trust in self, others, and the environment when caregiver is responsive to basic needs and provides comfort; if needs are not met, infant becomes uncooperative and aggressive and shows a decreased interest in the environment
Infancy
is the use of substances such as alcohol or drugs and the development of a physical and/or mental dependence on these chemicals.
chemical abuse
can lead to irreversible loss of memory, deterioration of intellectual functions, speech and gait disturbances, and disorientation.
Alzheimer's disease
a thickening and hardening of the walls of the arteries, can also decrease the blood supply to the brain and cause a decrease in mental abilities.
arteriosclerosis
It is also important to encourage independence and to allow the child to make his or her own decisions whenever possible.
puberty
is another issue that health care providers must understand. Because health care providers are ethically concerned with promoting life, allowing patients to die can cause conflict
right to die
which covers ages 6-12, is also called preadolescence. Physical development is slow but steady. Weight gain averages 4-7 pounds
late childhood