Académique Documents
Professionnel Documents
Culture Documents
Functional Health
Pattern Assessment
(FHP)
Pattern of Health
Perception and Health
Management:
List two normal assessment findings
that would be characteristic for each
age group.
Toddler
Preschool-Aged
School-Aged
Pre-schoolers start to
become more inquisitive
and want to know more
about their body parts
and the function. They
become upset over minor
injuries and may view as
punishment.
School-aged children
participate in self-care
such as personal hygiene,
measures to take to
prevent injury, and
importance of healthy
eating habits. They
understand the importance
of health and factors that
can cause illness.
They begin to notice body
defects like weight and
height. This is the stage
where the signs of vision
and hearing impairment
begin to show.
(Edelman, 2014)
Nutritional-Metabolic
Pattern:
List two normal assessment findings
that would be characteristic for each
age group.
List two potential problems that a nurse
may discover in an assessment of each
age group.
(Edelman, 2014)
Nutritional deficiencies
may be present due to
preference of certain
food groups. Dental
cavities and infections
may appear due to poor
dental care habits.
Pattern of Elimination:
List two normal assessment findings
that would be characteristic for each
age group.
(Edelman, 2014)
(Edelman, 2014)
Cognitive/Perceptual
Pattern:
List two normal assessment findings
that would be characteristic for each
age group.
Bedwetting at nighttime
may continue to be a
problem. Forgetting to
flush the toilet and wash
their hands after going to
the restroom is common.
Pre-schoolers are
primarily playing at this
stage. They tend to
mimic the activity and
exercise patterns of their
parents or role models.
Active play should be
encouraged.
Hitting other children
and not sharing is
common during play at
this stage. Many times
kids are allowed to watch
too much television
which is not good.
Because of technology
advancements many kids
are stuck on the computer
for hours which leads to
inactivity. Because they
are not part of an extracurricular activity or sport
they may be lacking social
skills.
Preschoolers are very
School-age children are
inquisitive and ask a lot
able to handle challenges
of questions. It is
and problems by
common for them to have reasoning. They are aware
imaginary friends. They
of others feelings. They
know the difference
understand about morals
between right and wrong. and ethics.
(Edelman, 2014)
(Edelman, 2014)
Pattern of Self-Perception
and Self-Concept:
List two normal assessment findings
that would be characteristic for each
age group.
List two potential problems that a nurse
may discover in an assessment of each
age group.
(Edelman, 2014)
Because of their
frustrations they tend to
have frequent temper
tantrums. They are at risk
for developmental
problems due to
environmental factors and
injury.
Toddlers average sleep is
about 12 hours a day with
1 to 2 naps a day. Bedtime
and naptime routines are
extremely important at
this stage.
Preschoolers
imaginations tend to run
wild and often have a
difficult time making
decisions. They tend to
lie about bad behavior.
Preschoolers average
sleep is about 8 12
hours a day and they may
or may not nap.
Disturbed sleep patterns
at night are common
which may include
nightmares.
If the child does not get
They may wake up
the sleep he/she needs
frequently at night due to
they may become
nightmares. It is normal
overtired and misbehave.
for them to delay the
They may be unaware of
bedtime routine. They
how tired they actually are may become irritable due
because they are so active. lack of sleep.
Toddlers have a sense of
autonomy. They think
that they can do
everything by themselves.
They are learning
everyday through the use
of smell, taste and touch.
Preschoolers begin to
understand gender
differences based on the
activities of their parents.
They use play to
experiment and
understand others roles
better.
School-aged children
begin develop outside
relationships but the
family is where they feel a
sense of security. They
understand their role in
the household and their
responsibilities.
(Edelman, 2014)
Sexuality Reproductive
Pattern:
List two normal assessment findings
that would be characteristic for each
age group.
List two potential problems that a nurse
may discover in an assessment of each
age group.
(Edelman, 2014)
Questions should be
answered simply and
accurately to prevent
confusion. He/she may
play inappropriately with
toys.
Preschoolers will
verbalize their
frustrations. Play is very
important to reducing
their stress.
(Edelman, 2014)
Preschoolers begin to
have thoughts of guilt
and conflict because of
the values and beliefs
instilled. They often
express their values and
beliefs with who they
want to be like when they
grow up.
Peers can influence their
beliefs or values. It is
important to surround the
kids with positive role
models so that they dont
influence negative
behaviors in the children.
School-aged children
develop values from
religion, cultural and
parental values taught.
They are able to make
decisions based on what
they have been taught
regarding morals and
ethics.
Peers can influence the
childs thoughts and make
them believe that what
they were taught is not
right. They might be
caught cheating because
of a desire to be the best.
Address the following based on the above assessment findings. Expected answers will be 1-2
paragraphs in length. Cite and reference outside sources used.
1) Compare and contrast identified similarities as well as differences in expected assessment
across the childhood age groups.
When comparing and contrasting the similarities and differences expected across the
childhood age groups it is safe to say that the biggest similarity would be the significant role the
parents play. Whether it be the guidance or dependency they are fundamental to the well being
and developmental of the child. Without the parents teaching, discipline, values and beliefs the
child is left to learn from others which may or may not display positive behaviors. Amongst all
groups the children are moving toward a state of autonomy. They all looked to their parents for
coping with stress and looking to them for comfort. The importance of structure was also seen in
all categories.
Differences were seen depending of the level of the child. One of the biggest differences was
the fact that toddlers and preschoolers are more susceptible to contagious diseases that the
school-aged child is. Also, as the children transitioned into school-aged they required less sleep.
Naturally, because of their ages a school aged child would most like learn better through
discussion or example rather than a preschooler whom might learn best through playtime or story
time. As they grow older they able to express themselves and communicate more effectively.
2) Summarize how a nurse would handle physical assessments, examinations, education, and
communication differently with children versus adults. Consider spirituality and cultural
differences in your answer.
When dealing with children it is of the utmost importance to remember that you are not only
dealing with the child. The parent is part of the package. It is a completely different approach.
Children are often scared and look to their parents for comfort. You should allow the child to sit
with their parent first while asking the parent questions which would then allow the child time to
become a little more comfortable with the nurse. Naturally the health history would be provided
by the parent. When performing the health examination it is best to start with the lung sounds.
Before placing the stethoscope on the child you can allow the child to touch and listen to
his/herself before which will allow the child to feel like they are part of the assessment.
Education depends on the developmental level they are at. It is important to always take into
consideration the cultural beliefs of the family. Being culturally competent is extremely
important as a nurse because it prevents any unwarranted accusations.
2011. Grand Canyon University. All Rights Reserved.
References:
Edelman, C.(2014). Health Promotion Throughout the Life Span (8th ed.). Retrieved from Vital
Book
Jarvis, C.(2014). Physical Examination and Health Assessment [VitalSource Bookshelf version].
Retrieved from http://pageburstsls.elsevier.com/books/978-1-4377-0151-7