Growth and Development

Nursing 346

Objectives
At the completion of this lesson the learner
will:
Identify normal sequence of growth and
development in the first year of life.
Identify developmental milestones for the first
year of life.
Identify common issues related to growth and
development during the first year of life.
Discuss appropriate anticipatory guidance for the
period of infancy
Develop a plan to address parent concerns for
common developmental issues in infancy

Infant
Ages 1-12 months
Average height and weights

Organ Systems
Growth of organ systems continues from
infancy to adolescence:
Neurological
Respiratory
Cardiac
Gastrointestinal
Genitourinary
Integumentary
Immunologic

Psychosocial

Development
Gross motor
Fine motor
Sensory
Language
Social emotional

The role of the nurse

Will vary depending on the
environment
Acute vs. primary vs. school
Plan of care with diagnoses
Must know development for each
level
Educate, Educate, Educate
Anticipatory guidance
Support
Health promotion

Developmental concerns
Key findings that alert us to issues in first 12
mo of life

Persistence of reflexes; stiffness of extremities; unable to

support head at 4 mo. Reaching only with one hand, unable
to sit with assistance at 6 mo
no crawling or unable to stand supported by 12 mo.
An infant that does not make sound at 4 mo, laugh at 6 mo,
babble by 8 mo or use words with single meaning.
Not wanting to cuddle or does not interact with others.

Promotion of Health and Growth

Play
Learning
Safety
Nutrition
Sleep
Oral care
Discipline

COMMON PARENT CONCERNS

Colic
Spitting up
Pacifier use
Teething