A nurse is assessing an 18-month-old toddler. The nurse distinguishes normal from abnormal findings by remembering Gesell's theory of development. Which information will the nurse consider?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Gesell's theory of development states that the cephalocaudal pattern describes the sequence in which growth is fastest at the top (e.g., head/brain develop faster than arm and leg coordination). Growth in humans is determined by heredity, genes, and environment. Environment does influence development. Gesell's theory states that genes direct the sequence of development, but environmental factors also influence development, resulting in developmental changes.

A Nurse Is Assessing an 18-Month-Old Toddler