Why is it important for nurses to understand growth and developmental stages?

Choice A reason: This is not the correct answer. Older adults are the age group from 65 years and older. They are more likely to experience alterations in health due to aging, chronic diseases, cognitive decline, or social isolation. However, they are less likely to have substance use disorders, periodontal disease, or infertility, which are more common in younger age groups.

Choice B reason: This is the best answer. Young adults are the age group from 18 to 39 years old. They are more likely to engage in risk-taking behaviors, such as smoking, drinking, or using drugs, which can lead to substance use disorders. Substance use disorders can affect the physical, mental, and social health of young adults, and increase the risk of accidents, injuries, infections, or overdoses. Young adults are also more likely to have poor oral hygiene, which can cause periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is an inflammation and infection of the gums and teeth, which can lead to tooth loss, pain, or bad breath. Young adults are also more likely to have infertility, which is the inability to conceive or carry a pregnancy to term. Infertility can be caused by various factors, such as hormonal imbalances, genetic disorders, infections, or environmental exposures. Infertility can affect the emotional, psychological, and relational health of young adults, and cause stress, depression, or low self-esteem.

Choice C reason: This is not the correct answer. Adolescents are the age group from 12 to 18 years old. They are more likely to experience alterations in health due to puberty, growth spurts, or hormonal changes. They may also face challenges such as peer pressure, bullying, or academic stress. However, they are less likely to have substance use disorders, periodontal disease, or infertility, which are more prevalent in older age groups.

Choice D reason: This is not the correct answer. Middle adults are the age group from 40 to 64 years old. They are more likely to experience alterations in health due to menopause, andropause, or age-related changes. They may also face issues such as work-life balance, career transitions, or family responsibilities. However, they are less likely to have substance use disorders, periodontal disease, or infertility, which are more common in younger age groups.

Choice A reason: This is not the correct answer. Depression is a mental disorder that affects the mood, thoughts, and behavior of the client. It causes persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or emptiness, as well as loss of interest, motivation, or pleasure in activities. Depression may cause some physical symptoms, such as fatigue, insomnia, or weight changes, but it does not cause dry eyes or frequent urination.

Choice B reason: This is not the correct answer. Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that affects the muscles, joints, and nerves of the client. It causes widespread pain, stiffness, and tenderness, as well as fatigue, sleep problems, and cognitive difficulties. Fibromyalgia may cause some symptoms that overlap with menopause, such as dry eyes or weight gain, but it does not cause frequent urination.

Choice C reason: This is the best answer. Menopause is the natural transition that occurs when the ovaries stop producing eggs and hormones, such as estrogen and progesterone. It causes the menstrual cycle to end, and the client to experience various physical and emotional changes. Menopause may cause symptoms such as dry eyes, fatigue, poor sleep patterns, weight gain, and frequent urination, as well as hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, and vaginal dryness.

Choice D reason: This is not the correct answer. Dehydration is a condition that occurs when the body loses more fluid than it takes in. It causes the blood volume and pressure to drop, and the body to function less efficiently. Dehydration may cause symptoms such as fatigue, dry mouth, headache, and dizziness, but it does not cause dry eyes, weight gain, or frequent urination. In fact, dehydration may cause the opposite of frequent urination, which is reduced or dark urine.