A nurse is reviewing developmental concepts for infants and children. Which statement best describes development in infants and children?

a.
Development, a predictable and orderly process, occurs at varying rates within normal limits.
b.
Development is primarily related to the growth in the number and size of cells.
c.
Development occurs in a proximodistal direction with fine muscle development occurring first.
d.
Development is more easily and accurately measured than growth.

ANS: A

Development, a continuous orderly process, provides the basis for increases in the child’s function and complexity of behavior. The increases in rate of function and complexity can vary normally within limits for each child. An increase in the number and size of cells is a definition for growth. Development proceeds in a proximodistal direction with fine muscle organization occurring as a result of large muscle organization. Development is a more complex process that is affected by many factors; therefore, it is less easily and accurately measured. Growth is a predictable process with standard measurement methods.