Lifespan Development – Unit IV Nursing Care Across the Lifespan (1)

A set of 25 vocabulary flashcards highlighting essential terms and definitions from the Lifespan Development lecture notes.

Life expectancy

An estimate of the number of years an individual is likely to live based on averages for people with similar characteristics.

Infant mortality rate

The number of deaths occurring before a child’s first birthday, used as a key population-health statistic.

Growth

An increase in physical size of the whole body or any of its parts.

Development

The progressive, orderly process of functional and skill change from simple to complex throughout the lifespan.

Cephalocaudal

A pattern of growth and development that proceeds from the head toward the feet.

Proximodistal

A pattern of growth and development that starts at the center of the body and moves outward toward the extremities.

Zygote

The single-cell organism formed at conception containing 46 chromosomes—23 from each parent—until implantation.

Teratogen

Any substance, agent, or process that can disturb normal prenatal development and cause fetal abnormalities.

Conception (fertilization)

The union of sperm and ovum that marks the beginning of pregnancy and the genetic blueprint for a new individual.

Sensorimotor stage

Piaget’s first stage of cognitive development (birth–2 yr) in which infants learn through senses and motor activity.

Nuclear family

A household consisting of two parents and their biological children living independently.

Extended family

A nuclear family plus other relatives—such as grandparents, aunts, uncles—sharing the same household.

Single-parent family

A family in which one adult assumes the roles and responsibilities typically shared by two, due to divorce, death, choice, or other circumstances.

Blended (reconstituted) family

A family created when partners with children from previous relationships remarry and combine households, often adding children of their own.

Social contract family / Cohabitation

An unmarried couple living together, sharing roles and responsibilities, with or without children.

LGBTQ family

A family in which one or more parents identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer; structure may be married, single, or cohabitating.

Adoptive family

A family formed through the legal process of adopting and raising non-biological children.

Grandfamilies

Households in which grandparents assume primary responsibility for raising their grandchildren.

Foster family

Adults licensed to provide temporary care, supervision, and nurturing for children who cannot live with their biological parents.

Autocratic family pattern

A style in which parents—or one dominant member—make decisions and expect unquestioned obedience from children.

Democratic family pattern

A family style in which adults function as equals, encourage shared decision making, and treat children with respect.

Patriarchal family pattern

A family organization in which the oldest male or father holds primary authority and decision-making power.

Matriarchal family pattern

A family organization in which the mother or oldest female holds primary authority and decision-making power.

Ageism

Prejudice or discrimination against individuals based on their age, especially toward older adults.

Healthy People 2030 Leading Health Indicators

A set of high-priority objectives—such as reducing drug overdoses and increasing vaccination rates—designed to guide national health improvement across all ages.