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. Word limit 500 words. Support your answers with the literature and provide citations and references in APA format.
Gordon’s functional health patterns provide a comprehensive framework for assessing the health and well-being of individuals across the lifespan. This framework consists of 11 different functional health patterns that focus on various aspects of an individual’s health and development. In this assignment, we will compare and contrast the growth and developmental patterns of two toddlers of different ages using Gordon’s functional health patterns.
The first functional health pattern is “Health-Perception-Health Management.” This pattern involves assessing a toddler’s perception of their health and their ability to manage their health. For example, a 1-year-old toddler may have a limited understanding of their own health and may rely heavily on their caregivers to manage their health. On the other hand, a 3-year-old toddler may begin to demonstrate a greater understanding of their health and may start to take more responsibility for managing their own health, such as brushing their teeth or washing their hands.
The second functional health pattern is “Nutritional-Metabolic.” This pattern focuses on the toddler’s nutritional intake and metabolic status. Toddlers of different ages may have different nutritional needs and eating habits. For instance, a 1-year-old toddler may still rely heavily on breast milk or formula for nutrition, while also starting to explore solid foods. In contrast, a 3-year-old toddler may have a wider variety of foods in their diet and may also express preferences and dislikes for certain types of food.
The third functional health pattern is “Elimination.” This pattern involves assessing the toddler’s bowel and bladder function. Both the 1-year-old and 3-year-old toddlers should have regular bowel movements and be able to control their urination. However, the 3-year-old toddler may have better control over their bladder and may be able to communicate their need to use the toilet.
The fourth functional health pattern is “Activity-Exercise.” This pattern assesses the toddler’s activity level and developmental milestones related to movement and motor skills. A 1-year-old toddler may be starting to crawl or take their first steps, while a 3-year-old toddler may have mastered walking and be able to run, jump, and climb stairs with more confidence.
The fifth functional health pattern is “Sleep-Rest.” This pattern focuses on the toddler’s sleep habits and rest patterns. A 1-year-old toddler may still require multiple naps throughout the day, while a 3-year-old toddler may have transitioned to a single nap or may no longer require naps altogether. Additionally, both toddlers should have a regular sleep schedule and be able to sleep through the night.
The sixth functional health pattern is “Cognitive-Perceptual.” This pattern assesses the toddler’s cognitive and perceptual development, including their ability to understand and interact with their environment. A 1-year-old toddler may have limited language skills and may primarily rely on nonverbal communication to express their needs and desires. In contrast, a 3-year-old toddler may have a more extensive vocabulary and be able to engage in basic conversations.
The seventh functional health pattern is “Self-Perception-Self-Concept.” This pattern involves assessing the toddler’s self-perception and self-concept. A 1-year-old toddler may have a limited sense of self-identity and may primarily identify with their caregivers. On the other hand, a 3-year-old toddler may have a greater sense of self and may begin to develop preferences and interests that are separate from their caregivers.
The eighth functional health pattern is “Roles-Relationships.” This pattern focuses on the toddler’s social interactions and relationships with others. Both 1-year-old and 3-year-old toddlers should have positive relationships with their caregivers and other family members. However, a 3-year-old toddler may also start to develop relationships with peers and begin to engage in simple social play.
The ninth functional health pattern is “Sexuality-Reproductive.” This pattern is not applicable to toddlers as it is more relevant to adolescence and adulthood.
The tenth functional health pattern is “Coping-Stress Tolerance.” This pattern involves assessing the toddler’s ability to cope with stress and adapt to changes in their environment. Both 1-year-old and 3-year-old toddlers may experience stressors such as separation anxiety or new experiences. However, a 3-year-old toddler may have better developed coping skills and be able to manage stress more effectively.
The eleventh functional health pattern is “Value-Belief.” This pattern focuses on the toddler’s values and beliefs. A 1-year-old toddler may have limited understanding of societal values and may primarily rely on their caregivers’ values and beliefs. In contrast, a 3-year-old toddler may start to develop their own values and beliefs, influenced by their caregivers and their own experiences.
In summary, Gordon’s functional health patterns provide a useful framework for assessing the growth and developmental patterns of toddlers of different ages. By applying these components, we can compare and contrast the various aspects of the toddlers’ health and development, such as their perception of health, nutritional intake, elimination patterns, activity level, sleep habits, cognitive development, self-perception, social interactions, coping skills, and values and beliefs.