Developmental Stages Across the Lifespan: Physical, Cognitive, and Psychosocial Milestones | Chapter 20 from Saunders Comprehensive Review for the NCLEX-PN Examination (7th Edition)

Developmental Stages Across the Lifespan: Physical, Cognitive, and Psychosocial Milestones | Chapter 20 from Saunders Comprehensive Review for the NCLEX-PN Examination (7th Edition)

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Welcome to Chapter 20 of the Saunders Comprehensive Review for the NCLEX-PN Examination (7th Edition) by Linda Anne Silvestri and Angela E. Silvestri. This chapter gives a complete overview of physical, cognitive, psychosocial, and safety considerations for every stage of life—from newborns and children to adolescents and older adults. With clear guidance on milestones, age-based interventions, and end-of-life support, this resource helps nurses deliver truly client-centered care and prepares you for NCLEX-PN exam success.

Watch the full video summary below, and subscribe to Last Minute Lecture for more NCLEX-PN chapter breakdowns and pediatric nursing tips:

Developmental Responses to Hospitalization and Nursing Interventions

  • Infants: Separation anxiety, routines for security, comfort through familiar objects.
  • Toddlers: Loss of control, fear of pain; use simple words, allow choices, and maintain routines.
  • Preschoolers: Magical thinking, fear of bodily harm; provide honest explanations, allow play with equipment.
  • School-Age Children: Fear of disability, missing school; explain procedures, encourage peer contact, involve in care.
  • Adolescents: Loss of independence, body image concerns; provide privacy, involve in decision-making, support friendships.

Developmental Milestones by Age Group

  • Physical growth: weight, height, fontanel closure, puberty changes
  • Vital sign ranges for newborns, infants, children, and adolescents
  • Nutrition and oral care: age-appropriate diet, feeding, and sleep needs
  • Motor development: head control, sitting, crawling, walking, fine/gross motor skills
  • Language development and expected vocabulary milestones
  • Toilet training readiness and control signs
  • Types of play: solitary, parallel, associative, cooperative, and competitive

Safety and Risk Reduction Across the Lifespan

  • Baby-proofing, safe sleep, and fall prevention for infants/toddlers
  • Accident and poisoning prevention for preschoolers and school-age children
  • Adolescent risk behaviors: driving, substance use, peer pressure
  • Age-appropriate anticipatory guidance and injury prevention

Special Topics: Gender Dysphoria and End-of-Life Care

  • Recognize and assess gender dysphoria in children and adults
  • Supportive, sensitive, and evidence-based care for all clients
  • End-of-life care: physical changes, symptom management, and psychosocial support for the client and family
  • Hospice and palliative principles; postmortem care and culturally competent support

NCLEX-Style Practice and Cultural Sensitivity

  • Review developmental case scenarios, communication strategies, and culturally responsive interventions for every age group
  • Apply individualized care by considering developmental level, family needs, and cultural background

Want more visual learning and real-world case examples? Watch the video above and subscribe to Last Minute Lecture for every NCLEX-PN chapter review and pediatric care guide!

Conclusion: Providing Lifespan-Centered Nursing Care

Chapter 20 of Saunders Comprehensive Review for the NCLEX-PN Examination (7th Edition) prepares you to assess, educate, and care for clients at every stage of life. From infancy through adulthood, mastery of developmental milestones, safety, and end-of-life needs will set you apart as a compassionate, well-prepared nurse.

If you found this breakdown helpful, subscribe to Last Minute Lecture for more NCLEX-PN chapter guides, pediatric care tips, and developmentally focused nursing study resources.

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