Running Head: GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT IN PEDIATRICS 1
Growth and Development in Pediatrics
Growth and Development of the Adolescent
GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT IN PEDIATRICS 2
The nurse should be in a position to explain to Betty and her son Jeff that adolescent is
accompanied by rapid changes physically, intellectually, and emotionally. Betty’s concern on her
son’s changes can be explained in the sense that Jeff is experiencing morphological changes in
body organs and systems that cause increased growth rate, as well as changes in his sexual
organs. Jeff is probably growing facial and pubic hairs and his voice is starting to break. The
changes in his body are contributing to emotional stress which may cause him to have abrupt and
rapid mood swings. Hormonal changes are also taking place and could be contributing to sexual
thoughts, anger, tension, and irritability. Curiosity is heightened at this stage which may cause
Jeff to engage in risk taking behavior such as alcoholism.
Some of the integumentary changes that Jeff is experiences or is likely to go through
include excessive sebum production and sweating in the armpits. The sebum production may
result o a skin condition known as acne. Other skin disorders include psoriasis, Dermatitis
artefacta, and Seborrheic dermatitis.
Jeff will experience intellectual changes where he will be more abstract in his thinking
and will use reason. Socially, Jeff will incline more to peer groups than his family and if he does
not have a peer group, he may start feeling and acting isolated. The groups might influence him
into behavior changes and engage in antisocial behavior such as smoking.
Growth and Development of the School-Age Child
The prepubescent stage is marked by the first sign of sexual maturation to the initial
appearance of pubic hair mostly among school-age children 8-13 years old. It is basically the
onset of the transition period from childhood to adulthood. Physically, Gina may be developing
breast buds, pubic and armpit hair may start to develop at her age. She may also experience her
GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT IN PEDIATRICS 3
menarche which occurs about 2 years after the breasts and pubic hairs start to appear. Behavior
wise, the changes may make one to be sensitive and worried about their body changes.
As a result of changes related to hormone levels that are produced during the prepuberty
stage, children and especially girls may be at risk of poor body image. The relationship between
Kris and Gina could contribute to how she views her body image. If Kris is constantly
consciously or subconsciously criticizing Gina about her appearance, that may contribute to her
negative body image. The media may be advocating for a certain look for a girl to be considered
beautiful, in the case Gina does not meet the standards, she may end up with body image
dissatisfaction.
Gina’s perception of her body image which is already negative will influence how she
experiences her body in her every day activities which consequently affects her sense of self,
self-confidence, and her social life in general. Besides body image, her intellectual abilities and
performance in school may affect her self-esteem. Poor performance in school may cause Gina
to have a low self-esteem. If her negative body image is not addressed, it is likely to result to low
self-esteem and consequently to antisocial behaviors, depression, promiscuity, eating disorders,
and suicide. The nurse should recommend Gina and her mother Kris to talk to a therapist that
will guide them on how to evaluate the causes of Gina’s body image dissatisfaction and address
the issue before it is out of hand.
