Discussion Questions

Social, Cognitive, Moral and Spiritual Development in the School-Age Child. What Are Some Of Their Nutritional Needs?

During 6-12 years, children undergo social development often associated with finding a sense of identity and their role in society. They develop an understanding of themselves, and their body image is a crucial component of social development (Malik & Marwaha, 2018). Social and emotional development are interconnected with young people trying to find their personal identity. Cognitive development is primarily reflected in the changes that occur in the brain. School-age children develop higher-level cognitive functions due to the function and structure of the brain changing (Malik & Marwaha, 2018). They develop abstract thinking, and their cognition becomes sophisticated as they experience new ideas, people, and places. Moral development is often characterized by children questioning the infallibility of people in authority. Children begin to develop a sense of what they should do and what they should not do (Malik & Marwaha, 2018). Moral growth entails developing a sense of fairness, the importance of rules, and their role in making society better. During this age, children develop an understanding of spirituality based on practice and personal identity (Malik & Marwaha, 2018). Their nutritional needs include fruits and vegetables at least five portions every day. Parents should consider unrefined fiber-rich foods like brown rice and whole wheat bread and pasta combined with snacks between meals. Protein is essential for growth and muscle repair (Malik & Marwaha, 2018). Milk and dairy foods comprise calcium that is important for teeth and bone development. Healthy fats and low-sugar foods are essential.

2020 National Health Goals Related To Adolescent Growth and Development. What Can You Do As A Nurse To Promote Those Goals You Chose?

            In Healthy People 2020 Topics & Objectives, there is a new component referred to as Adolescent Health, whose role is to enhance adolescents' healthy development, welfare, and safety (Adolescent Health | Healthy People 2020). Regarding National Health, the objectives relating to adolescent growth and development include AH-1 and AH-2. In AH-1, the aim is to increase the number of adolescents who have a wellness checkup within the last 12 years (Adolescent Health | Healthy People 2020). In AH-2, the objective is to raise the proportion of adolescents who take part in extracurricular activities. According to Healthy People 2020, adolescents and young adults comprise 22% of the American population. It is imperative that people within this age group's health is developed well since it influences their health status later in life and places them at risk of chronic illnesses (Adolescent Health | Healthy People 2020). As a nurse, I can encourage adolescents to get a wellness checkup by volunteering at mobile clinics where adolescents without health insurance can be checked. I can also create initiatives to educate adolescents about the importance of physical activity on their health.

Assessment Differences That You Would Look For In the Adolescent Assessment That You Would Not Do For Other Age Groups?

            Adolescent assessment should be developmentally appropriate, confidential, offered by the right people, and structured in a way that helps them advance to adult care (Achieving Quality Health Services for Adolescents. 2016). The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has established guidelines for how optimal care can be provided to this age group. First, one should maintain relationships with communities and families within which adolescents live as well as with the individuals (Achieving Quality Health Services for Adolescents. 2016). It is essential that adolescents are helped to become autonomous, responsible, and develop their adult identity, hence making care developmentally appropriate. Such developmentally appropriate assessment might be longer compared to other populations (Achieving Quality Health Services for Adolescents. 2016). Confidentiality is a crucial component of the adolescent evaluation. Confidentiality and privacy can hinder successful assessment and follow-up and must be intertwined with care for this population (Achieving Quality Health Services for Adolescents. 2016).  Adolescent assessment must be conducted with confidential interviews and discussions.

 Nursing Diagnoses Related To Communication And Health With Children. Include Your Interventions For The Diagnosis You Decide Upon.

            Pereira et al. (2017) posit that one common issue related to communication and the health of children is for patients scheduled for cochlear implants (CI). The nursing diagnosis is impaired verbal communication.  Communication in the healthcare setting is considered the basis of good care provision, which enhances patient welfare. When a nurse makes a diagnosis of impaired verbal communication, Pereira et al. (2017) demonstrate that nurses must plan care based on reducing adverse consequences of communication deficit. Pereira et al. (2017) show that the nursing intervention must be based on facilitating how to transmit verbal and non-verbal messages. Some common interventions include gesturing, movement, facial expressions, and mining. Pereira et al. (2017) recommend using signs, lip-reading, pictures, and written communication.