Childhood and Physical Examination Essay Example

children seek information from their peers. Additionally, older children begin taking on some responsibilities within the family.
Sleep patterns also differ among children of different ages. Toddlers typically sleep for around 12 hours a day, with 1-2 naps, and they rely heavily on consistent bedtime rituals. Preschool and school-aged children, however, sleep for 8-12 hours.

The text discusses the differences in how a nurse would handle physical assessments, examinations, education, and communication with children compared to adults. It emphasizes the importance of considering spirituality and cultural differences in these interactions.

Childhood is a time of rapid changes in physiology and behavior, resulting in differences in exposure to the environment and external factors compared to adults. Consequently, the assessment process varies between these two groups due to their differing levels of knowledge and understanding. Physical examination techniques, normal findings, identification of pathological conditions, and interpretation of exam results all differ for children and adults. When examining children, creating a safe, pleasant, and comfortable environment is crucial. It should be noted that toddlers may face difficulties during examinations due to their heightened awareness of unfamiliar surroundings, which can cause fear and clinginess towards their parent. Additionally, toddlers may have concerns about invasive procedures and dislike being restrained (Jarvis, Carolyn).

According to Jarvis (Physical Examination and Health Assessment, 6th Edition. Saunders, 032011, p. 123), the preschooler is capable of independently taking on tasks and seeing them through. In the same book (p. 124), it is mentioned that during the examination, the school child demonstrates cooperative behavior and shows interest in learning about the body. However, it is important not to treat the school-age child as a small adult,

as their level of understanding may not match their speech abilities (Jarvis, Physical Examination and Health Assessment, 6th Edition, Saunders, 032011, p. 125).

One way to reduce anxiety in children is by providing toys and parental assistance. Older kids and teenagers in the waiting area can be given suitable literature or items to keep them occupied. During a physical examination, various measurements are taken to assess growth and development, including height, weight, head circumference, chest circumference, and a comprehensive examination from head to toe. The approach to the examination depends on the child's age and level of development. Play techniques can help familiarize children with the environment, and the examination itself may take place on a table, on their parent's lap, or on the examiner's lap. Less invasive areas such as hands and legs are examined first while more sensitive areas like ears, nose, mouth, and eyes are examined last. When interacting with school-aged children it is suggested to directly ask them questions using concrete terms.

The use of medical diagrams or models in teaching can be beneficial. Throughout all ages, race along with its related economic and cultural issues can impact healthcare practices. Consequently, cultural preferences and economic factors also affect environments and other health-promoting behaviors, including nutrition and recreation (Brotanek et al., 2005; Harrison, 2006).(Edelman, Mandle. Health Promotion throughout the Life Span, 7th Edition. Mosby, 092009. p. 481).

In assessing adults, various aspects such as physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, and cultural factors are taken into consideration. Children may perceive illness as a divine retribution. Moreover, families may adhere to diverse cultural practices, which can be utilized by the nurse to

clarify the need for a physical examination. It is also worth noting that the prevalence of many health conditions is influenced by age.