Child Development and Positioning Practice Flashcards

Vocabulary-style flashcards covering the techniques and clinical reasoning for child positioning, transitions, and tone management based on lecture notes.

Key Point of Control (Supine to Sitting)

The shoulder, where downward pressure is applied in side-lying to facilitate appropriate head lifting.

Supine → Side-lying → Sitting Transition

A four-step movement sequence: 1. Roll to side-lying, 2. Downward pressure on the shoulder for head lifting, 3. Push up onto the elbow, 4. Push up onto an extended arm.

Hypertonia (Increased Tone) Handling

Handling that begins proximally at the shoulders and pelvis, moves slowly and rhythmically, avoids pulling against tightness, and encourages trunk rotation.

Hypotonia (Low Tone) Handling

Handling that provides more support/stability around the trunk, gathers the child closer to the caregiver, and may be more vigorous with frequent rest breaks to prevent fatigue.

Trunk Rotation

A technique used for children with increased tone to help reduce abnormal extensor patterns and excessive tone.

Rolling to Side-lying and Pushing to Sitting

Considered an easy transitional movement because it breaks sitting up into smaller components, allows active participation, and reduces the effects of gravity.

Functional Status (Sitting)

Provides better orientation (eyes vertical, mouth horizontal), improved feeding, self-care, play, social interaction, and a stable base for reaching.

Shumway-Cook

The source text demonstrating that sitting control develops progressively and that improved trunk control is associated with improved reaching and efficient arm movement.

Respiratory Status (Sitting Alignment)

Maintaining trunk alignment to prevent spinal curvatures and support more efficient breathing mechanics compared with poorly aligned postures.