Suggested Answers to Assignments, Chapter 23, Growth and Development of the

Infant: 28 Days to 1 Year

Written Assignments Learning Objective(s)

1. Students’ answers should include the following: 3, 4

 Develops between 6 and 8 months, recognizes the

mother or primary caregiver, becomes fearful when
this person disappears. To the infant, out of sight
means out of existence.
 “Peek-a-Boo” is useful in affirming self-existence
to the infant and that even when temporarily out of
sight, others still exist.

2. Students’ answers should include the following: 8, 12

 Early childhood caries can occur when an infant is

given a bottle at bedtime; the sugar from the formula
causes erosion of the tooth enamel.
 To prevent bottle mouth caries, a bottle of plain
water or a pacifier for sucking can be given at
bedtime.

3. Students’ answers should include the following: 10

• Children are immunized against hepatitis B virus,

diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, rotavirus, Haemophilus

influenzae type b, polio, measles, mumps, rubella,

varicella (chickenpox), pneumococcal disease, and

meningococcal disease. In addition, they may be

immunized against the hepatitis A virus. Immunizations

should be given according to the American Academy of

Pediatrics' recommended schedule. The most common

side effect is a low-grade fever and possibly tenderness,

 redness, and swelling at the injection site.

Acetaminophen is given for fever, and cool compresses

are applied to the injection site. The child may be fussy

and eat less than usual. The child is encouraged to drink

fluids, and holding and cuddling is comforting to the

child.

Group Assignment Learning Objective(s)

1. Students’ answers should include the following: 1, 2
• According to Erikson, the developmental task for the

infant is to develop a sense of trust, which happens when

the needs of the infant are consistently met.

• An infant's birth weight doubles by age 6 months and

triples by 1 year.

• At birth, an infant's head circumference is usually slightly

larger than the chest circumference. The head and chest

grow rapidly and after about 5 to 7 months of age, the

chest can be expected to exceed the head in

circumference.

• The posterior fontanel closes by the 2nd or 3rd month and

the anterior fontanel closes between the 12th and 18th

month.

• The first tooth to erupt is usually one of the upper or lower

incisors. This occurs between 6 and 8 months of age in

 most children. Family history, nutritional status, and

prolonged illness affect the eruption of teeth. Fluoride is

recommended to strengthen calcification of teeth and

prevent tooth decay.

• The average apical rate ranges from 70 (asleep) to 150

(awake) beats per minute and as high as 180 beats per

minute when the infant is crying.

• As the infant grows, nerve cells mature, and fine muscles

begin to coordinate in an orderly pattern of development.

Clinical Assignments Learning Objective(s)

1. Students’ answers should include the following: 5, 6, 7, 9
• The infant's nutritional requirements for the first 4 to 6

months are supplied by either breast milk or commercial

infant formulas. Nutrients that may need to be

supplemented are vitamins C and D, iron, and fluoride. At

about 4 to 6 months of age, the infant's iron supply

becomes low and supplements of iron-rich foods are

needed. At around 7 or 8 months of age, the baby begins

experimenting with finger foods and self-feeding.

• Infants have a tendency to push solid food out of their

mouths with their tongue thrust forward because of the

extrusion reflex.

• New foods are introduced one at a time to determine the

 food responsible if the infant has a reaction.

• An infant can be gradually weaned to a cup as her or his

desire for sucking decreases, usually around the age of 1

year.

2. Students’ answers should include the following: 11

• During routine health maintenance visits, reinforce

teaching to family caregivers regarding normal growth

and development milestones, bathing, diapering, dressing,

sleep patterns, dental care, and safety.

• Infants' gums and teeth should be cleaned with a clean,

damp cloth and plain water.

• Accident prevention for the infant includes closely

watching the infant and monitoring the environment for

safety hazards. Anticipatory guidance is given in regard to

safety concerns.

3. Students’ answers should include the following: 14

• In addition to nursing care, touching, rocking, and

cuddling are essential for the hospitalized infant. Age-

appropriate sensory stimulation and play within the

constraints of the infant's condition are important. When

an infant is hospitalized, the family caregiver can give the

child stimulation, care, and attention by feeding, holding,

and diapering the infant.

Web Assignment Learning Objective
1. Students’ answers should include one of the following: 13

Topics

 Burns
 Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
 Child Maltreatment
 Child Passenger Safety
 Dog Bites
 Emergency Preparedness
 Food Safety
 Home & Recreational Safety
 Insect Repellent
 Lead Poisoning
 Medicine Safety
 Perchlorate in Baby Formula

 Poisoning
 Prenatal Infections: Protect Your Unborn Baby or Newborn from
Infections
 Road Traffic Injuries
 Safe Child
 Safety in Your Home
 Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)
 Sun Safety
 Vaccine Safety Information for Parents
 Water Safety---Injury Prevention
 Water Safety---Recreational Water Illness (RWI)