Childrens Functional Health Pattern Assessment
Functional Health Toddler
Pattern Assessment Ericksons Developmental Stage:
(FHP)
Pattern of Health Toddlers are normally
Perception and Health current on their
Management: immunizations. They are
able to perform tasks like
List two normal assessment findings brushing their teeth and
that would be characteristic for each
age group. washing their hands.
List two potential problems that a nurse
may discover in an assessment of each
age group.
Because they are
dependent on their parents
(Edelman, 2014) they may have dental
cavities if good dental
habits are not enforced by
the parents. They are at
risk for nutritional
deficiencies if parents
dont encourage healthy
eating habits.
Nutritional-Metabolic Toddlers are usually
Pattern: weaned from the breast or
bottle. It is normal for a
List two normal assessment findings toddler to become very
that would be characteristic for each
age group. picky and have
fluctuations in their
List two potential problems that a nurse appetite.
may discover in an assessment of each
age group.
Tooth decay is a potential
problem at this stage
because of the bottle
drinking. Nutritional
(Edelman, 2014) deficiency is also normal
because of unhealthy
eating patterns.
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Preschool-Aged
Ericksons Developmental Stage:
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.
There is an increased risk
for infections and
contagious diseases
because their immune
system is not fully
developed. There is an
increased risk for injury
due to the fact that they
do not fully comprehend
prevention of injury.
Pre-schoolers develop
food preferences and
often refuse new foods.
They are able to eat on
their own.
Nutritional deficiencies
may be present due to
preference of certain
food groups. Dental
cavities and infections
may appear due to poor
dental care habits.
School-Aged
Ericksons Developmental Stage:
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.
School-aged children are
able to prepare meals for
themselves. They
understand the difference
between a heathy and
healthy meal.
There are a lot of cases of
obesity, diabetes and
anorexia at this stage. The
average school-aged child
does not meet dietary
recommendations.
Pattern of Elimination:
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)
Pattern of Activity and
Exercise:
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)
Cognitive/Perceptual
Pattern:
List two normal assessment findings
that would be characteristic for each
age group.
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Toddlers begin toilet
training and understand
the difference between
voiding and bowel
movements. Because of
the increased bladder
control they urinate less
frequently.
Constipation and diarrhea
may be present due to
transition from breast
milk. Toilet training may
be attempted before the
child is ready. Level of
understanding must be
assessed before toilet
training.
Toddlers are very active
when they are not
sleeping. They are able to
coordinate their large
muscle groups better and
are beginning to climb and
run. Routines that include
exercise are normal.
They do not like to share
when playing. Tantrums
are present because of
frustration and lack of
rest. They are at increased
risk for injury due to their
increased amount of
activity and exercise.
Toddlers often use
gestures to express
themselves because of
their limited vocabulary.
They are able to learn
about objects and
recognize them by name.
Pre-schoolers are capable School-aged children have
of independent toileting. able to control their
They are able to control bladder and bowel
their bladder and bowel movements. They are
movements better. They able to communicate any
are able to express their bladder or bowel issues
elimination discomforts. they may be experiencing.
They are more
independent when it
comes to elimination.
Bedwetting at nighttime Bedwetting may still be
may continue to be a present. Because of this
problem. Forgetting to the child may become
flush the toilet and wash embarrassed. Complaints
their hands after going to of pain with urination and
the restroom is common. bowel movements may be
present due to eating
habits or poor personal
hygiene habits.
Pre-schoolers are School-aged children
primarily playing at this understand the benefits of
stage. They tend to activity and exercise. It is
mimic the activity and common for kids at this
exercise patterns of their age to be part of an extra-
parents or role models. curricular activity or sport.
Active play should be
encouraged.
Hitting other children Because of technology
and not sharing is advancements many kids
common during play at are stuck on the computer
this stage. Many times for hours which leads to
kids are allowed to watch inactivity. Because they
too much television are not part of an extra-
which is not good. curricular 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.

List two potential problems that a nurse
may discover in an assessment of each
age group.
(Edelman, 2014)
Pattern of Sleep and Rest:
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)
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)
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Because of their Preschoolers Because of visual and
frustrations they tend to imaginations tend to run hearing problems their
have frequent temper wild and often have a may be learning problems
tantrums. They are at risk difficult time making present. Because of lack
for developmental decisions. They tend to of guidance their may be
problems due to lie about bad behavior. issues with reading,
environmental factors and writing or studying skills.
injury.
Toddlers average sleep is Preschoolers average School-aged children
about 12 hours a day with sleep is about 8 12 average sleep is about 8
1 to 2 naps a day. Bedtime hours a day and they may 12 hours a day without
and naptime routines are or may not nap. naps. Most do not have
extremely important at Disturbed sleep patterns issues with sleeping.
this stage. at night are common
which may include
nightmares.
If the child does not get They may wake up Some children suffer from
the sleep he/she needs frequently at night due to sleep disturbances at night
they may become nightmares. It is normal such as nightmares due to
overtired and misbehave. for them to delay the tv programs and movies.
They may be unaware of bedtime routine. They Sleep walking is also a
how tired they actually are may become irritable due problem and safety
because they are so active. lack of sleep. measures must be
implemented.
Toddlers have a sense of Preschoolers are more School-aged children have
autonomy. They think aware of their actions and a desire to be accepted and
that they can do the results of their have an increased desire
everything by themselves. actions. They begin to of competitiveness. They
They are learning relate more to other view success as a way to
everyday through the use children. They begin to enhance their self-
of smell, taste and touch. express their likes and perception in a positive
dislikes. way. How others portray
them will depend on how
they view themselves.
Because they think they They struggle with being If they are not encouraged
can do everything independent because they with positive thoughts
themselves they are at risk realize that they must still they will see themselves
for injury. Temper rely on their parents. in a negative way. Not
tantrums are a response to They are more sensitive being accepted creates
their frustration with their to criticism and/or issues with self-esteem
siblings, parents and other behaviors. and self-worth.
kids.
Role-Relationship Pattern: Toddlers begin to
understand relationships.
List two normal assessment findings They fear strangers but are
that would be characteristic for each
age group. aware of who their family
members are. There is a
List 2 potential problems that a nurse desire to be like their
may discover in an assessment of each siblings and to be able to
age group.
do whatever they do.
Sibling rivalry is an issue
at this age. There is a fear
of strangers or anyone
(Edelman, 2014) unfamiliar to them.
Sexuality Reproductive Toddlers become curious
Pattern: about their bodies. They
begin to discover their
List two normal assessment findings genital organs and may
that would be characteristic for each
age group. touch themselves
List two potential problems that a nurse
frequently. Because they
may discover in an assessment of each are exploring you might
age group. see a toddler perform
masturbation.
It is important not to
confuse the child and
(Edelman, 2014) name everything by its
anatomical name. They
may touch themselves
inappropriately in front of
others.
Pattern of Coping and Toddlers may regress at
Stress Tolerance: times when they feel
List two normal assessment findings overwhelmed. They may
that would be characteristic for each
age group. throw temper tantrums if
List wo potential problems that a nurse
they feel a sense of fear.
may discover in an assessment of each They tend to imitate their
age group. parents coping
mechanisms.
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Preschoolers begin to
understand gender
differences based on the
activities of their parents.
They use play to
experiment and
understand others roles
better.
Positive role models
should be surrounding
the children in order for
positive child
development. Divorce
may cause regression, or
irritability in the
preschooler.
Preschoolers know the
difference between males
and females. They are
very inquisitive about the
difference between males
and females and what the
functions are of the
organs.
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.
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.
If there is not a strong
relationship between the
parents and child he/she
may become involved in a
gang or get in trouble. At
this age discipline can be
an issue and the
relationship between the
child and parents can be
strenuous.
School-aged children
begin develop breasts and
pubic hairs. They will be
curious about sex and will
begin to ask questions.
Sexual issues and
curiosity may cause
inappropriate behaviors.
They may go to their peers
with questions about
sexual practices which
puts them at risk for harm.
School-aged children may
talk with a friend or
engage in sports or
activities to cope with
stress. The family
environment provides a
sense of security for
coping with stress.
 Issues with the families
dynamics can develop
when the child has a
difficult temper. The child
may develop aggressive
behaviors such as kicking,
biting or punching.
Pattern of Value and Toddlers feel rules are
Beliefs: absolute and they fear
punishment. They will
List two normal assessment findings learn rituals, songs and
that would be characteristic for each
age group. prayers but they will not
understand the meaning of
List two potential problems that a nurse them.
may discover in an assessment of each
age group.
Child may feel confused
because adult is
inconsistent with the rules
(Edelman, 2014) and rewards. Child may
feel behaving bad will get
more attention from the
parent. Parents need to
remember to reward
positive behavior.
Short Answer Questions
2011. Grand Canyon University. All Rights Reserved.
They can sometimes Increased helplessness and
struggle with their anxiety may be present
emotions and feelings. due to their inability to
They may have temper deal with stress. Behavior
tantrums to deal with problems may arise.
their frustrations. Depression can also occur.
Preschoolers begin to School-aged children
have thoughts of guilt develop values from
and conflict because of religion, cultural and
the values and beliefs parental values taught.
instilled. They often They are able to make
express their values and decisions based on what
beliefs with who they they have been taught
want to be like when they regarding morals and
grow up. ethics.
Peers can influence their Peers can influence the
beliefs or values. It is childs thoughts and make
important to surround the them believe that what
kids with positive role they were taught is not
models so that they dont right. They might be
influence negative caught cheating because
behaviors in the children. 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

2011. Grand Canyon University. All Rights Reserved.