Compare and contrast the growth and developmental patterns of two toddlers of different ages using Gordon’s functional health patterns. Describe and apply the components of Gordon’s functional health patterns as it applies to toddlers. Post your discussion to the Moodle Discussion Forum. Word limit 500 words. Support your answers with the literature and provide citations and references in APA format.
Title: A Comparative Analysis of Growth and Developmental Patterns in Toddlers Using Gordon’s Functional Health Patterns
Introduction:
Understanding the growth and developmental patterns of toddlers is crucial for assessing their overall health and well-being. Gordon’s functional health patterns provide a comprehensive framework for assessing and analyzing various aspects of a toddler’s physical, cognitive, and psychosocial development. This paper aims to compare and contrast the growth and developmental patterns of two toddlers of different ages, while highlighting the components of Gordon’s functional health patterns and their application in toddler assessment.
Gordon’s Functional Health Patterns:
Gordon’s functional health patterns consist of 11 interrelated patterns that help healthcare professionals assess an individual’s health status and identify areas of concern or deviation. The 11 patterns include: health perception-health management, nutritional-metabolic, elimination, activity-exercise, sleep-rest, cognitive-perceptual, self-perception-self-concept, role-relationship, sexuality-reproductive, coping-stress tolerance, and values-beliefs (Edelman, Kudzma, & Mandle, 2017).
Comparative Analysis:
In this analysis, we will compare and contrast the growth and developmental patterns of two toddlers, one aged 12 months and the other aged 24 months, using Gordon’s functional health patterns.
Health Perception-Health Management:
At 12 months, the first toddler may have limited understanding of health management. They rely on their caregivers for healthcare decisions and are more susceptible to illnesses. In contrast, the 24-month-old toddler may exhibit a developing sense of independence and may begin to express preferences and understanding of their health needs. They may show interest in brushing their teeth, washing hands, or participating in health-related activities.
Nutritional-Metabolic:
Both toddlers will experience significant growth in this period, but their nutritional needs and feeding patterns will differ. The 12-month-old toddler may still rely on breast milk or formula but should also be introduced to solid foods. They may exhibit interest in self-feeding, but still require assistance and supervision. On the other hand, the 24-month-old toddler’s nutritional needs have changed. They can consume a variety of foods from different food groups and may begin to demonstrate self-feeding skills and food preferences.
Elimination:
Both toddlers should have achieved bowel and bladder control at different levels. The 12-month-old toddler may still require diaper changes, but they may exhibit signs of awareness or discomfort when urinating or defecating, which may indicate readiness for toilet training. The 24-month-old toddler should have attained a level of independence and may be able to communicate the need for toileting and may begin to explore toilet training.
Activity-Exercise:
Both toddlers will demonstrate increased mobility and exploration. The 12-month-old toddler is likely to crawl, pull themselves up, and take unsteady steps while holding on to furniture. The 24-month-old toddler should have developed the ability to walk independently and engage in various physical activities, such as running, climbing, and kicking a ball.
Sleep-Rest:
The sleep patterns of toddlers differ from those of infants. Both toddlers require sufficient sleep for optimal growth and development. The 12-month-old toddler may take multiple naps throughout the day, totaling approximately 11-14 hours of sleep. The 24-month-old toddler may transition to one nap per day, lasting around 1-3 hours, and sleep for 10-12 hours during the night. The sleep patterns may be influenced by factors such as physical activity, diet, and environmental factors.
Cognitive-Perceptual:
The cognitive development of both toddlers will vary based on their age. At 12 months, the first toddler will be exploring objects through sensorimotor experiences, such as shaking, banging, and mouthing. They may also show interest in cause-and-effect relationships and object permanence. At 24 months, the second toddler will demonstrate more advanced cognitive abilities, such as symbolic play, problem-solving, and increased language skills.
Self-Perception-Self-Concept:
The 12-month-old toddler’s self-perception and self-concept are still developing. They often rely on their caregivers for comfort, support, and guidance. The 24-month-old toddler is likely to exhibit greater self-awareness, recognizing themselves in mirrors and imitating actions they observe in others. They may begin to display independence and assertiveness, indicating the emergence of a sense of self.
In conclusion, the growth and developmental patterns of two toddlers of different ages can be effectively assessed and analyzed using Gordon’s functional health patterns. This framework allows for a holistic understanding of different aspects of a toddler’s growth, including physical, cognitive, and psychosocial domains. By comparing and contrasting these patterns, healthcare professionals can gain valuable insight into each toddler’s unique developmental trajectory and identify any areas of concern or need for intervention.