Growth and development – Health of the children has been considered as the vital importance to all societies because children are the basic resource for the future of humankind. Nursing care of children is concerned for both the health of the children and for the illnesses that affect their growth and development. The increasing complexity of medical and nursing science has created a need for special area of child care, i.e. pediatric nursing.
Pediatric nursing is the specialized area of nursing practice concerning the care of children during wellness and illness. It includes preventive, promotive, curative and rehabilitative care of children. It emphasizes on all round development of body, mind and spirit of the growing individual. Thus, pediatric nursing involves in giving assistance, care and support to the growing and developing children to achieve their individual potential for functioning with fullest capacity.
Growth and development
Definition of Growth:
Growth is defined as an increase in the size of an individual due to increase in number and size of the cells, resulting in an overall increase.
(Ref-M.R. Khan 4th edition /56)
Or
It is the process of physical maturation resulting an increase in size of the body and various organs. It occurs by multiplication of cells and an increase in intracellular substance. It is progressive and measurable phenomenon
(Ref by: Parul Datta/4th/108)
Growth refers to physical maturation and signifies an increase in size of the body parts and various organs. It occurs as a result of tissue hyperplasia, hypertrophy and differentiation.
(Ref by: Molla/2/5)
Definition of Development:
Development is maturation of function and acquisition of variety of skills for functioning optimally in a society.
(Ref by-M.R. Khan 4 edition /56)
Development refers to acquisition & maturation of skills, behaviors and values on the part of the growing child. This mostly depends on the maturation of nervous system. During development, the child builds up a store of knowledge about his or her environment, learns motor skills, communications, behavior etc.
(Ref by: Molla/24/5)
Development is the process of functional and physiological maturation of individual. It is progressive increase in skill and capacity to function. It is related to maturation and myelination of the nervous system. It includes psychological, emotional and social changes.
(Ref by: Parul Datta/4/108)
Principles of Development:
1. Development is a continuous process from conception to maturity. 1
2. Development depends on maturation and myelination of nervous system”
3. Sequence of development is same for all children, but rate of development varies from child to child.
4. Certain primitive reflexes must be lost before voluntary movements develop.
5. Continuous mass activity is replaced by specific individual responses.
6. The direction of development is cephalocaudal.
(Ref by-M.R. Khan 4th edition /56)
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