Growth & Development - Early Adulthood

Pediatric

Growth & Development – Early Adulthood

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Outline

Overview

Early adulthood is a time of transition
1. Major accomplishments are often-
  1. Personal and economic independence
  2. Developing identity in love and work
  3. Obtaining equity with parents

Nursing Points

General

Early adulthood = 20-40 years

Assessment

Growth
1. Height, weight, sexual matruation complete by this stage
Development
1. Works towards independence and stability
2. Peak physiological performance is from 20-30 years
3. Generally peak childbearing years
4. Risky behaviour in early 20’s
Cognitive
1. Piaget’s stage- postformal operational thought
  1. Intellectual peak
  2. Find it easy to learn new skills and problem solve
Psychosocial
1. Erikson’s stage- Intimacy vs Isolation
2. Career oriented
3. Relationship oriented
  1. Marriage
  2. Parenting

Therapeutic Management

Patient interactions
1. Will adapt well to changes and quickly learn treatment plans
2. Prime time to encourage the development of healthy habits
  1. Exercise and proper nutrition
3. Provide family planning support
4. Be sensitive to social demands patients may feel they are under
  1. Parenting
  2. Career
Common health issues
1. Accidents
2. Injuries
3. STD’s
4. Pregnancy
5. Substance abuse

Nursing Concepts

Human Development
1. Young adulthood is characterized by peak physiological performance and the pursuit of intimacy and independence.
Patient Centered Care
1. Nursing care of young adult patients should focus on health promotion and accident prevention.

Patient Education

Educate patients on importance of testicular self-examination and breast self-examination.

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Transcript

Hey guys, in this lesson we are going to go over growth and development for early adulthood.

Early adulthood is typically thought of as being from 20 years to 40 years, but there can be come overlap with the later adolescent years depending on life circumstances and responsibilities.

This is a hugely transitional phase, with the major accomplishments being all about transitioning into adulthood. So this means gaining financial independence, developing a personal identity- that is often centered on relationships and career with a sort of a general end goal of obtaining equity with parents.

For your nursing assessment we want to look at growth and physical changes, development, cognitive development and psychosocial.

physically, maturation is complete. So max height is attained and people are pretty much at their peak physical performance.

Milestones that are important for this stage are gaining independence and stability. Often, this is done through establishing a career and starting a family.

Young adults are cognitively in the postformal operational thought phase. This usually means that there is more cognitive flexibility- and a willingness to accept complexities. I mentioned that young adulthood is the physical peak, it is often thought to be the intellectual peak as well. This all means that patients in this stage are likely to be quick to learn new skills.

For psychosocial development, they are in the intimacy vs isolation phase. This goes back to those key milestones I mentioned of establishing independence and an identity that is likely shaped by career and relationship decisions.

For management, you really want your patient interactions and education to keep these things in mind. Because this is a time of mental flexibility, that means patients are more likely to be able to develop new habits so it’s a great time encourage healthy habits. Equally- this is a time to teach patients about self-care and top of the list here are self testicular and self-breast exams.

Remember career and family demands can be very intense at this stage so it’s helpful to be sensitive to this as you plan medical care.

Common health issues are accidents, injuries, and STD’s, particularly in the early 20’s when there is still and increased likeliness of risky behaviours. Substance abuse can become a problem during this stage.

Another major part of health is supporting families around pregnancy and childbearing.

Your priority nursing concepts when caring for a patient in young adulthood are human development, patient centered care and health promotion.

Okay – let’s recap the key things you need to know for young adults. This stage typically ranges from 20-40 years and is considered to be a transitional phase as people try to figure out adulthood and pursue careers and relationships. It’s a busy phase of life- balancing work, relationships and parenthood.

Risky behaviours are still a major health concern during the early 20’s and should be given some thought as you plan your patient education.

These patients are cognitively flexible and open to new ideas so it’s a great time to encourage healthy habits.

That’s it for our lesson on growth and developmental considerations for young adults. Make sure you check out all the resources attached to this lesson. Now, go out and be your best self today. Happy Nursing!