Pediatric Nurse Growth and Development Milestones Flashcards

A nurse is assessing the gross motor skills of a 9-month-old infant. Which of the following milestones should the infant be able to perform?

Answer: Pulls to a standing position.

By 9 to 10 months of age, an infant should be able to pull themselves up to a standing position by holding onto furniture. Sitting without support is typically achieved between 7 to 9 months. Walking independently usually occurs between 12 and 15 months, and building a tower of two blocks is a fine motor skill expected around 12 to 15 months.

During a well-child visit for a 2-year-old, the nurse assesses the child's language development. Which finding would be considered a typical milestone for this age?

Answer: Has a vocabulary of approximately 50 words and uses two-word phrases.

A 2-year-old typically has a vocabulary of around 50 words and begins combining them into two-word phrases like 'more juice' or 'mama go'. Speaking in 4-5 word sentences is expected closer to age 3-4. Stating a full name and following a series of three commands are milestones for older preschool-aged children.

The parent of a 4-year-old tells the nurse they are concerned about their child's fine motor skills. Which of the following is an age-appropriate fine motor skill for a 4-year-old?

Answer: Printing some capital letters.

A 4-year-old should be able to copy shapes like a square and print some capital letters. Tying shoelaces is a more advanced skill, usually mastered around age 5 or 6. The pincer grasp develops much earlier, around 9-12 months. While a 4-year-old can often zip a jacket once it's started, fully managing the zipper mechanism is a later skill.

A pediatric nurse is performing a physical assessment on an infant. The nurse knows that the posterior fontanelle typically closes by what age?

Answer: 2 to 3 months

The posterior fontanelle, located at the back of the infant's head, is smaller than the anterior fontanelle and typically closes by 2 to 3 months of age. The anterior fontanelle closes much later, usually between 12 and 18 months.

Which of the following social-emotional milestones is most characteristic of a school-aged child (6-12 years old)?

Answer: Forms strong peer relationships and has a 'best friend'.

During the school-age years, peer relationships become increasingly important, and children often identify a 'best friend'. They enjoy group activities and competition. Parallel play is typical of toddlers. Attachment to transitional objects is common in toddlers and preschoolers. Significant separation anxiety is more characteristic of younger children.

A nurse is providing anticipatory guidance to the parents of a 6-month-old infant. Which gross motor milestone should the nurse inform the parents to expect next?

Answer: Sitting without support.

After an infant masters rolling over (around 4-6 months), the next major gross motor milestone is typically sitting independently, which many babies achieve between 7 and 9 months of age. Crawling and standing alone follow this milestone.