Concepts of growth and development

[Extract] Understanding normal growth and development is important for nurses so they can undertake appropriate health assessments and determine a plan of care that is reflective of the person's age and development. The terms growth and development both refer to dynamic processes. Although they are often used interchangeably, these terms have different meanings. Growth is physical change and increase in size. It can be measured quantitatively. Indicators of growth include height, weight, bone size and dentition. The pattern of physiological growth is similar for all people. The growth rate varies throughout the lifespan, being more rapid during the antenatal, neonatal, infancy and adolescent stages, slower during childhood and minimal during adulthood.\ud \ud Development is an increase in the complexity of function and skill progression. It is the capacity and skill of a person to adapt to the environment. Development is the behavioural aspect of growth (e.g., a person develops the ability to walk, to talk and to run)