NSG 200 - Vital Signs, Communication, Development

Content for week 1 and test 1

Development

The continuous process of growth and change in physical, cognitive, social, and emotional capacities throughout the lifespan.

Genetics

Biological factors inherited from parents that influence growth and development.

Nutrition

The intake of food and nutrients necessary for growth and health.

Health status

The overall physical and mental condition of an individual affecting development.

Environmental toxins

Harmful substances in the environment that can negatively impact growth and development.

Prenatal care

Medical care provided to a pregnant woman to ensure the health of both mother and baby.

Physical activity opportunities

Access to activities that promote physical development and motor skills.

Neurological development

The growth and maturation of the nervous system affecting cognitive and motor skills.

Muscle tone and strength

The condition of muscles that influences physical capabilities and coordination.

Environmental stimulation

Exposure to varied experiences that promote cognitive and sensory development.

Presence of developmental disorders

Conditions that can hinder normal growth and development.

Brain development

The process of growth and maturation of the brain affecting cognitive abilities.

Educational experiences

Learning opportunities that enhance cognitive development.

Sensory stimulation

Experiences that engage the senses and promote cognitive and emotional growth.

Language exposure

The amount and quality of language an individual is exposed to, influencing communication skills.

Problem-solving opportunities

Experiences that challenge individuals to think critically and develop solutions.

Family dynamics

The interactions and relationships within a family that affect emotional and social development.

Peer relationships

Interactions with peers that influence social skills and emotional growth.

Cultural influences

The impact of cultural background on values, behaviors, and development.

Attachment patterns

The emotional bonds formed between individuals that affect social and emotional development.

Emotional regulation experiences

Opportunities to learn how to manage emotions effectively.

Environmental demands

Expectations from the environment that influence behavior and development.

Coping skills development

The acquisition of strategies to manage stress and challenges.

Flexibility in routines

The ability to adapt to changes in daily activities and schedules.

Support systems and resources

Available help and tools that assist in development and coping.

Gesell's Maturational Theory

A theory that emphasizes the role of biological maturation in development.

Erikson's Stages of Psychosocial Development

A theory outlining eight stages of psychosocial development throughout the lifespan.

Piaget's Theory of Cognitive Development

A theory that describes how children develop cognitive abilities in stages.

Kohlberg's Stages of Moral Development

A theory that explains the progression of moral reasoning in individuals.

Fowler's Stages of Faith Development

A theory that outlines the development of faith and spiritual understanding.

Critical periods and windows of opportunity

Specific times in development when certain skills or abilities are most easily acquired.

Cumulative effects of early experiences

The impact of early life experiences that build upon each other over time.

Resilience and protective factors

Attributes or conditions that help individuals cope with stress and adversity.

Epigenetics

The study of changes in organisms caused by modification of gene expression rather than alteration of the genetic code itself.

Social determinants of health

Conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work, and age that affect health outcomes.

Developmental delay in children

Early intervention, multidisciplinary approach, family support.

Developmentally challenged adults

Promote independence, vocational training, community integration.

Central pulses

Carotid, femoral, apical.

Peripheral pulses

Radial, brachial, popliteal, posterior tibial, dorsalis pedis.

Technique for assessing pulses

Use fingertips (not thumb), apply gentle pressure, count for 60 seconds, note rate, rhythm, elasticity, and force.

Force scale for pulses

3+ Full, bounding; 2+ Normal; 1+ Weak, thready; 0 Absent.

Technique for assessing respiration

Observe chest rise and fall, count for 60 seconds, note depth, pattern, and effort.

Equipment for blood pressure assessment

Stethoscope, sphygmomanometer (manual or electronic), appropriate size cuff.

Selecting and applying BP cuff

Choose cuff width 40% of limb circumference, center bladder over artery, snug fit with lower edge 2-3 cm above antecubital fossa.

Technique for assessing blood pressure

Position patient properly, palpate brachial artery, inflate cuff 20 mmHg above last palpable pulse, deflate slowly (2 mmHg/second), note systolic and diastolic readings.

Blood pressure checks for children

BP is not normally checked for children less than 3 years of age.

Incorrect cuff size

Using a cuff that's too small can result in falsely high readings.

Improper cuff placement

Cuff not centered over the brachial artery.

Patient positioning

Failing to support the patient's arm at heart level.

Technique errors

Deflating the cuff too quickly.

Environmental factors

Noisy or stressful surroundings.

Observer bias

Rounding readings to nearest 5 or 10 mmHg.

Equipment issues

Using uncalibrated or faulty devices.

Failure to take 2+ readings

Relying on a single measurement.

Talking during measurement

Patient or healthcare provider speaking during the procedure.

Types of thermometers

Digital electronic.

Technique for assessing temperature

Choose appropriate site (oral, axillary, tympanic, rectal).

Oxygen saturation

Measure of hemoglobin saturation with oxygen.

Technique for assessing oxygen saturation

Use pulse oximeter.

Variations in vital signs across lifespan - Newborns and Infants

Higher heart rate (110-160 bpm).

Variations in vital signs across lifespan - Children

Gradual decrease in heart and respiratory rates.

Variations in vital signs across lifespan - Adults

Heart rate: 60-100 bpm.

Variations in vital signs across lifespan - Older Adults

Potential changes in blood pressure regulation.

Factors Influencing Variations

Sex.

Definition of communication

The process of exchanging messages through symbols

Verbal communication

Spoken, written, electronic

Nonverbal communication

Body language, gestures, facial expressions, tone of voice

Barriers to communication

Factors that impede effective communication

Gender

Differences in communication styles

Sociocultural differences

Language, customs, beliefs

Personal space

Cultural norms for physical proximity

Roles & relationships

Power dynamics, professional boundaries

Context

Environmental factors, timing

Congruence

Consistency between verbal and nonverbal messages

Active listening

A communication technique that involves fully concentrating, understanding, responding, and remembering what is being said

Empathy

The ability to understand and share the feelings of another

Clarification

The process of making something clearer or easier to understand

Reflection

The act of thinking carefully and critically about something

Summarizing

The act of briefly stating the main points of a conversation

Silence

The absence of sound, which can be a powerful communication tool

Interview introduction

Establish rapport by introducing yourself and your role, verifying the patient's identity and preferred name, explaining the purpose and expected duration of the interview, and ensuring privacy and comfort

Open-ended questions

Questions that encourage detailed, descriptive responses and allow patients to express concerns in their own words

Closed-ended questions

Questions that gather specific, focused information useful for clarifying details or obtaining precise data

Subjective data

Patient's reported symptoms and experiences

Objective data

Measurable, observable findings

Types of documentation

Narrative: Detailed, chronological account; Checklist: Standardized format for quick data entry