Chapter 3 of 614% of exam

Health Promotion and Maintenance

Health Promotion and Maintenance focuses on supporting wellness across the lifespan, including growth and development, prevention, screening, immunizations, nutrition, and maternal and newborn care. The LPN/LVN reinforces teaching that helps clients prevent illness and recognize normal changes at each stage of life.

Growth and Development

Understanding expected milestones helps the nurse identify normal progress and detect delays. Development follows a predictable sequence from infancy through older adulthood.

Know infant milestones

Infants typically achieve head control, then sit unsupported around 6 months, and stand and take steps near 12 months.

Recognize toddler skills

A 2-year-old usually walks up stairs and uses two-word phrases.

Support adolescent development

Adolescents develop identity, seek independence, and value peer relationships.

Anticipate older adult changes

Aging brings slower metabolism and increased risk of falls and constipation, requiring tailored teaching.

Prevention and Screening

Preventive care and screening detect problems early and promote long-term health. The LPN/LVN reinforces recommended screening and healthy behaviors.

Encourage recommended screenings

Support blood pressure checks, colorectal screening around age 45, and breast and cervical screening per guidelines.

Teach that wellness does not replace screening

Clients need screening even when they feel well, because many conditions are silent early.

Promote skin cancer prevention

Advise broad-spectrum sunscreen, protective clothing, and avoiding tanning beds and peak sun.

Reinforce follow-up of abnormal findings

Elevated readings such as a blood pressure of 148/94 mmHg warrant lifestyle changes and provider follow-up.

Immunizations

Vaccines protect individuals and communities from preventable diseases. The nurse reinforces the recommended schedule and addresses common concerns.

Start hepatitis B at birth

The first hepatitis B dose is given shortly after birth to prevent perinatal transmission.

Follow the childhood schedule

Multiple vaccines are given in the first two years to build early immunity.

Address mild expected reactions

Low-grade fever and soreness are common after vaccination and are usually self-limiting.

Support catch-up and adult vaccines

Encourage adolescents and adults to stay current per recommendations.

Nutrition and Lifestyle

Good nutrition and healthy behaviors support wellness and prevent chronic disease. Teaching is tailored to the client's life stage and health status.

Promote balanced activity

General guidance suggests about 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity weekly plus strength training.

Prevent constipation naturally

Adequate fiber, fluids, and activity support normal bowel function without routine laxatives or enemas.

Support bone health

Adequate calcium and vitamin D with weight-bearing exercise helps prevent osteoporosis.

Introduce solids appropriately

Solid foods begin around 6 months with single-ingredient foods, and honey is avoided in the first year.

Maternal and Newborn Care

Prenatal and newborn teaching promotes safe pregnancy and healthy infants. The nurse reinforces danger signs and safe practices.

Encourage folic acid

Folic acid before and during early pregnancy helps prevent neural tube defects.

Recognize normal pregnancy changes

Mild dependent edema, breast tenderness, and urinary frequency are common.

Report pregnancy danger signs

Vaginal bleeding with cramping, severe or facial swelling, and severe headache must be reported promptly.

Teach safe infant sleep

Place infants supine on a firm surface without loose bedding to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome.

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Practice questions on Health Promotion and Maintenance

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Last updated: July 2026