Frequently Asked Questions
Chapter 18: The Adult Client

Why are developmental issues important in the adult client?

Developmental issues important in the adult client revolve around the five dimensions of growth and development (physiological, psychological, cognitive, moral, and spiritual), which continue into adulthood.

What are the developmental changes in the young adulthood period?

During the young adulthood period the individual (1) achieves autonomy from parents, financial independence, and independent decision making; (2) experiences less peer pressure and demonstrates an individual identity; and (3) may be adjusting to starting a new family.

What are the health issues for young adults?

Health issues for young adults include following a healthy diet and exercise program, avoiding illicit drugs and alcohol, developing a healthy sexuality, and handling stress. Young adults are at risk of dying from accidents or suicide and contracting sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

What are the physical changes experienced by a woman during pregnancy?

Fatigue, nausea and vomiting, urinary frequency, constipation, and breast tenderness and enlargement are common in the first trimester. During the second trimester, the fetal movements are perceived, the fetal heart tone can be detected with a fetoscope, and the pregnant woman experiences an increased libido. During the third trimester, the woman experiences backaches, urinary frequency, heartburn, shortness of breath, stretch marks, and varicose veins.

What are the psychological changes experienced by a woman during pregnancy?

During the first trimester, a pregnant woman seems emotionally detached as her thoughts are focused on the developing child, is emotionally labile, feels ambivalent about pregnancy, seems increasingly dependent on others, and is interested in learning about the physical changes she is going through. During the second trimester, she has doubts and fears about her ability to care for an infant, becomes excited by fetal movement, and becomes more attached to the fetus. Her bond with her mate may be either strengthened or threatened. During the third trimester, she may feel less attractive, be more irritable and insomniac, and is making plans to incorporate the child into the family unit.

What are the health issues for middle-aged adults?

The health issues for middle-aged adults are (1) maintaining a healthy lifestyle, thus preventing cardiovascular disease, obesity, and other conditions; (2) preventing psychological stress and distress; (3) cancer prevention and screening; (4) avoiding alcohol and other substance abuse; (5) coping with decreases in physical stamina, muscle strength, and hearing; (6) preventing accidents; (7) avoiding exposure to environmental toxins; and (8) coping with bodily changes, such as graying of the hair, menopause, and skin wrinkling.

What are some self-care education topics for the middle-aged adult?

Self-care education topics for the middle-aged adult include the acceptance of aging, nutrition, exercise and weight control, substance abuse prevention, stress management, and recommendations for health screening (cholesterol screening, prostate examination, mammogram, Papanicolaou test).

What is the primary developmental task of the middle-aged adult?

The primary developmental task of the middle-aged revolves around the conflict of generativity, a sense that one is making a contribution to society, versus stagnation, a sense of nonmeaning in one’s life.

What are the variables that affect adherence to a therapeutic regimen?

The variables that affect adherence to a therapeutic regimen are (1) the severity of the illness and the type of clinical manifestations during the illness; (2) demographic variables, such as age, gender, ethnic origin, education, and socioeconomic status; (3) the costs of treatment; (4) treatment instructions that are difficult to follow and understand; and (5) the presence and availability of an effective support system for the client.

How do people who have the personality characteristic of hardiness differ from those who do not?

People who have the personality characteristic of hardiness have the ability to withstand stress and tend to be healthier than those who are not hardy.