Lifespan Development

Understanding different lifespans and maturity levels is crucial for assessing a patient's condition, such as alertness and orientation.

Piaget's theory outlines four stages of cognitive development:

Progression through these stages varies in age, influencing a person's capabilities and understanding.

Development occurs at a rapid pace during infancy.
Weight: Triples by the end of the first year.
Cardiovascular System: Transition from fetal to independent circulation.
- In utero, the baby's heart beats but does not pump; the mother's heart circulates blood.
- At birth, the first breath releases a hormone that closes the hole in the septum, enabling independent circulation.
Pulmonary System:
- Prior to birth, the neonate's lungs are not inflated.
- Lungs are not fully developed until about two months after birth, making premature births dangerous due to underdeveloped lungs.
- Infants are prone to nasal congestion and are primarily nose breathers.
- Undeveloped immune system makes them susceptible to upper respiratory infections, which can cause distress and rapid desaturation.

Infants have larger tongues and shorter, narrower airways, increasing the risk of obstruction.
Trachea: Surrounded by soft cricoid cartilage rings that are not fully developed.
- Head position is critical; tilting the head back too far can crimp the trachea.
Respiratory Muscles: Immature, leading to potential respiratory problems that can quickly become life-threatening.
Respiratory distress can lead to a declining heart rate, which is a late sign of distress in infants. The normal compensatory mechanisms of adults are not present in infants.

Infants use their stomach to breathe, resulting in seesaw breathing (stomach moves out as the chest rises) when short of breath.

Fontanelles: Open at birth, allowing the head to compress during birth.
- Sunken fontanelle indicates dehydration.
- Bulging fontanelle indicates infection.

Moral Reflex: When a baby feels like they are dropping, they open arms wide, spread fingers, and attempt to grab.
Palmar Grasp: Object placed in the palm causes the baby to close their hand.
Rooting Reflex: Turning the head when the cheek is touched, seeking a nipple to suckle.
Sucking Reflex: Stroking the lips causes the baby to suck.
Two Months: Tracking objects with eyes and recognizing familiar faces.
Six Months: Sitting upright and babbling.
Twelve Months: Walking with minimal assistance.

Important to know what is normal to assess and check things. The mother usually knows if something is not normal.

Immune systems are undeveloped, making them highly susceptible to infections.
Infants receive some of the mother's immunity during pregnancy and through breastfeeding.
Thymus is active during infancy, storing T cells for the lymphatic system.
Exposure to viruses is necessary for the immune system to develop antibodies.

Two Months: Recognizes familiar faces and tracks objects with eyes.
Three Months: Brings objects to the mouth, smiles, and frowns.
Four Months: Reaches out to people and drools.
Five Months: May sleep through the night and distinguishes family members from strangers.
Six Months: Begins teething, sits upright, and speaks one-syllable words.
Seven Months: Develops fear of strangers and displays mood swings.

Important to have good social skills and not get involved in emotional distress.
Be aware of potential abuse and neglect, such as the baby's crib, how fresh the diaper is, and severe diaper rash.

Infants repeatedly left alone and not interacted with may be anxious and avoid interaction.

Physical traits and functions mature rapidly.
Growth rate: Four pounds and two and a half inches per year.
Permanent teeth emerge, and brain activity increases in both hemispheres.
Preconventional Reasoning: Act to avoid punishment and get what they want, which means they will lie.
Conventional Reasoning: Seek approval from peers, leading to dishonesty in their presence.
Postconventional Reasoning: Make decisions guided by their conscience.
Self-concept and self-esteem begin to develop.

Vital signs level off, becoming more like an adult (Pulse: 60-100, Respiratory Rate: 12-20, Systolic Blood Pressure: 90-110).
Experience a 2-3 year growth spurt, with girls finishing by 16 and boys by 18.
The reproductive system matures, and secondary sexual development occurs.
Hormonal changes lead to conflict with families and privacy issues.
Are sexually active and do not use protection because they think "this will never happen to me".

Vital signs remain the same.
Increased vulnerability to vision and hearing loss and increased cancer incidence.
Menopause occurs between late forties and early fifties.
Common issues: Diabetes, hypertension, and weight problems.

Average life expectancy is approximately 78 years.
Cardiovascular System: Declines due to atherosclerosis; heart rate and cardiac output decrease.
Vascular System: Becomes stiff, decreasing the ability to produce replacement blood cells due to degenerating bone marrow, leading to infections.
Respiratory System: Airway size increases, alveoli surface decreases, and lungs lose elasticity, requiring more energy to breathe.
Cough and gag reflexes diminish, and chest becomes arthritic.
The lower lobes of the lungs are prone to lung infections due to decreased activity.
Gastrointestinal System: Constipation, GI bleeds, hemorrhoids, decreased ability of intestines to crack, gallstones, and fecal incontinence are common.
Kidney function declines, decreasing the ability to clear waste and conserve fluids.
Motor and sensory neural networks slow down, and neurons are lost, but knowledge and skills are retained.
Nervous System: Sleep patterns change, and age-related shrinkage creates and voids the brain and on their arms. Skin tears are a concern.
Hearing loss is more common than vision loss.

Most people retain high brain function until about five years before death.
Financial limitations restrict access to healthcare and medications.
Isolation and depression are common.
Increased risk for murder-suicide due to being a caregiver for a spouse with a condition such as Alzheimer's and they now have cancer.

The first time bagging someone will be a new experience. Do not squeeze the bag too hard.

Toddlers and preschoolers develop colds easily due to frequent contact with other children.
Adolescents are at high risk for suicide.
Finances become an issue during middle adulthood when parents are supporting both children and parents.