Professional Nursing Education
T-Z: 10-12 months
A parent/caregiver has brought their infant to your Community Health Center. Based on your assigned age group, what will you assess to determine the health and development status of the infant? Describe the normal findings you would anticipate for each area assessed. Select one area that could be a "red flag" finding. Discuss the recommendations that you would give the parent/caregiver supported by evidence-based practice to address this "red flag" finding.
Initial discussion question posts should be a minimum of 200 words and include at least two references cited using APA format. Responses to peers or faculty should be 100-150 words and include one reference. Refer to the "RN-BSN DQ Rubric" and "RN-BSN Participation Rubric," located in Class Resources, to understand the expectations for initial discussion question posts and participation posts, respectively.
American Association of Colleges of Nursing Core Competencies for Professional Nursing Education
This assignment aligns with AACN Core Competencies 2.5, 2.9, and 1.3.
Sample Solution
Assessing a 10-12 Month Old Infant
Assessment Areas:
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Growth and Development:
- Physical: Measure length, weight, and head circumference to assess growth. Normal findings include a steady increase in length and weight, and a head circumference that has slowed compared to the first year.
- Motor: Observe gross motor skills, such as walking, climbing, and standing. Fine motor skills, like using a spoon and building a tower of blocks, should also be assessed. Normal findings include the ability to walk independently, climb stairs with assistance, and grasp small objects with the thumb and index finger.
- Cognitive: Assess language development, such as understanding simple commands and speaking a few words. Normal findings include understanding simple questions and being able to say 10-15 words.
- Social and Emotional: Observe interactions with caregivers and other children. Normal findings include showing affection, playing simple games, and beginning to understand basic emotions.
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Health History:
- Immunizations: Verify that the infant has received all recommended immunizations for their age.
- Allergies: Inquire about any known allergies or sensitivities.
- Medications: Ask about any medications the infant is taking.
- Recent illnesses or injuries: Determine if the infant has experienced any recent illnesses or injuries.
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Nutrition:
- Feeding patterns: Ask about the infant's feeding habits, including frequency, type of food, and portion sizes.
- Weight gain: Assess whether the infant is gaining weight appropriately.
- Dietary supplements: Inquire about any dietary supplements the infant is taking.
Full Answer Section
Potential "Red Flag" Finding: Delayed Language Development
If the infant is not speaking as many words as expected for their age, this could be a "red flag" indicating a potential delay in language development.
Recommendations:
- Refer to a speech-language pathologist (SLP): An SLP can conduct a comprehensive evaluation to assess the infant's language skills and provide specific recommendations for intervention.
- Encourage language-rich activities: Engage the infant in activities that promote language development, such as reading books, singing songs, and talking to them frequently.
- Model appropriate language: Use clear and simple language when speaking to the infant.
- Limit screen time: Excessive screen time can interfere with language development.
- Monitor for other developmental delays: If language delays are present, it is important to monitor for other developmental delays, such as motor or cognitive delays.
References:
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2023). Milestones: 10 to 12 months. https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/milestones/index.html
- American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). (2023). Language development. https://publications.aap.org/pediatricsinreview/article/40/8/398/35313/How-Young-Children-Learn-Language-and-Speech