At which age do most infants begin to fear strangers?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In understanding the fear of strangers in infants, it is crucial to consider the developmental stage of separation anxiety. Most infants begin to fear strangers around 6 months of age. This is because at around 6 months, infants start to develop object permanence, realizing that objects (and people) exist even when they are out of sight. This newfound awareness leads to separation anxiety, making infants wary of unfamiliar faces. Option A) 2 months is too early for infants to exhibit fear of strangers as they are still in the early stages of development and are primarily focused on basic needs and interactions with caregivers. Option B) 4 months is still early for most infants to develop a significant fear of strangers. At this age, infants are more interested in exploring their immediate environment and are not yet as socially aware. Option D) 12 months is too late for most infants to begin fearing strangers. By this age, infants typically have developed more social skills and are more accustomed to various people in their environment. Educationally, understanding the timing of when infants start to fear strangers is essential for pediatric nurses caring for children. It helps caregivers anticipate and manage separation anxiety in infants, providing appropriate support and comfort during interactions with unfamiliar individuals. This knowledge contributes to promoting secure attachments and healthy emotional development in infants.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In the context of nursing care of children, understanding developmental milestones is crucial for assessing a child's growth and well-being. In this case, the correct answer is B) 2 months. Infants typically begin to smile in response to pleasurable stimuli around this age as part of their social and emotional development. At 1 month (option A), infants are usually still developing their visual acuity and motor skills, making it less likely for them to produce social smiles in response to stimuli. At 3 months (option C) and 4 months (option D), infants may be more interactive and expressive, but the specific milestone of smiling in response to pleasurable stimuli typically emerges earlier, around 2 months. Educationally, knowing these milestones helps nurses monitor infant development, identify potential delays, and provide appropriate interventions or referrals if needed. It also enhances communication with parents, as nurses can educate them about what to expect at different stages of their child's growth. This knowledge contributes to comprehensive and family-centered nursing care for children.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B) I can use a music box and soft mobiles as appropriate play activities for my baby. At 2 months old, infants are in the sensory-motor stage of development, where they are exploring the world through their senses. Soft mobiles and music boxes provide visual and auditory stimulation, encouraging the baby's cognitive development and sensory exploration. Option A is incorrect because giving a 2-month-old baby a ball of yarn or textured fabrics can pose a choking hazard as infants at this age tend to explore objects by putting them in their mouths. Option C is incorrect as introducing a cup and spoon or push-pull toys is more suitable for older infants who are starting to develop more fine motor skills. Option D is incorrect because appropriate play activities are crucial even from a young age as they contribute to the infant's cognitive, sensory, and motor development. Educating parents on age-appropriate play activities fosters bonding, stimulates development, and enhances the child's overall well-being.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is A) Playing peek-a-boo. At 7 months old, infants are in the stage of cognitive development where they are exploring object permanence. Playing peek-a-boo helps reinforce this concept as the infant learns that even though they cannot see an object (or person) momentarily, it still exists. This activity also encourages visual tracking, enhances social interaction, and stimulates the infant's curiosity and memory. Option B) Playing pat-a-cake involves more motor skills than visual stimulation. While it is a fun activity for infants, it does not specifically target visual development. Option C) Imitating animal sounds focuses more on auditory stimulation rather than visual stimulation. While it can be entertaining for the infant, it does not directly address visual development. Option D) Showing how to clap hands is more related to motor skill development rather than visual stimulation. While clapping involves hand-eye coordination, it is not as effective in promoting visual tracking and object permanence as playing peek-a-boo. By understanding the developmental stage of the infant and the specific benefits of each play activity, healthcare providers can offer appropriate guidance to parents on engaging their child in activities that support their overall growth and development.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A) Give large push-pull toys for kinetic stimulation. At 12 months, infants are in the early stages of developing gross motor skills, including crawling and walking. Large push-pull toys help promote these skills by encouraging the child to move around and explore their environment actively. These toys also aid in developing coordination and strength in the arms and legs. Option B) Place a cradle gym across the crib to help develop fine motor skills is incorrect because cradle gyms are more suitable for newborns as they focus on visual and reaching skills, not appropriate for a 12-month-old who is more advanced in their motor development. Option C) Providing the child with finger paints to enhance fine motor skills is not appropriate for a 12-month-old due to safety concerns related to ingestion of paint and the child's limited ability to engage in purposeful painting activities at this age. Option D) Providing a stick horse to develop gross motor coordination is not suitable for a 12-month-old as this activity requires more advanced motor skills and balance control which a child of this age has not yet developed. In an educational context, understanding age-appropriate play activities is crucial for promoting optimal development in children. By providing parents with accurate information on suitable toys and activities, we can support children in reaching their developmental milestones and fostering a nurturing environment for growth and learning.