Which characteristic best describes the fine motor skills of an infant at age 5 months?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is D) Able to grasp object voluntarily. At 5 months of age, infants typically develop the ability to voluntarily grasp objects. This milestone is part of their fine motor skill development, marking their progress in hand-eye coordination and muscle control. Infants at this age may use a raking grasp to pick up small objects and start exploring their environment through touch and manipulation. Option A) Neat pincer grasp is more characteristic of an infant around 9-12 months of age when they have developed the ability to pick up small objects using their thumb and forefinger. Option B) Strong grasp reflex refers to the automatic closing of the infant's hand around an object when it comes into contact with their palm, which typically diminishes around 3-4 months of age. Option C) Builds a tower of two cubes involves more advanced fine motor skills and is typically seen in toddlers around 18-24 months of age, as it requires coordination, spatial awareness, and hand strength that infants at 5 months do not possess. Understanding the progression of fine motor skills in infants is crucial for nurses caring for children as it allows them to assess developmental milestones accurately and provide appropriate interventions or referrals if delays are observed. Educating caregivers about these milestones also empowers them to support their child's development effectively.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C) 8 months. At around 8 months of age, most infants have developed enough strength and coordination to sit steadily unsupported. This milestone is an important indicator of their gross motor development. Option A) 4 months is too early for most infants to sit steadily unsupported. At 4 months, infants are usually still developing their head control and are not yet able to sit independently. Option B) 6 months is a common milestone for infants to start sitting with support or propped up, but they are not typically able to sit steadily without any assistance at this age. Option D) 12 months is too late for most infants to achieve steady unsupported sitting. By 12 months, infants should typically be able to sit steadily and independently. Understanding the age at which infants can sit steadily unsupported is crucial for pediatric nurses as it helps them assess a child's developmental progress and identify any potential delays or issues that may need further evaluation or intervention. This knowledge enables nurses to provide appropriate care and support to promote optimal growth and development in children.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In the context of infant development, the correct answer is C) 11 to 12 months. This is the age range at which infants typically develop the strength and coordination required to pull themselves to a standing position. At around 11 to 12 months, infants have usually developed sufficient muscle control and balance to achieve this milestone. Option A) 5 to 6 months is too early for most infants to pull to a standing position. At this age, infants are typically mastering skills such as rolling over and grasping objects. Option B) 7 to 8 months is also too early for pulling to a standing position. Infants at this age are usually working on sitting up independently and crawling. Option D) 14 to 15 months is too late for this milestone. By this age, most infants are already walking or close to walking independently. Understanding these developmental milestones is crucial for pediatric nurses to assess the growth and development of infants accurately. It helps nurses provide appropriate support and interventions for infants who may be experiencing delays or difficulties in reaching these milestones.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In Piaget's theory of cognitive development, a 6-month-old infant is typically in the stage of secondary circular reactions. This stage occurs between 4 to 8 months of age and is characterized by the infant's increasing ability to repeat interesting actions on objects in their environment. Infants at this stage start to explore and manipulate objects around them, showing a growing curiosity and intentionality in their actions. Option A, the use of reflexes, is incorrect because it refers to the earliest stage of development (0-1 month), where infants primarily rely on reflexes such as sucking and grasping. Option B, primary circular reactions, is also incorrect as it typically occurs between 1-4 months, where infants start to repeat actions involving their own bodies, like sucking their thumb. Option D, coordination of secondary schemata, is not the stage a 6-month-old infant would be in according to Piaget's theory. This stage occurs later in infancy when children start to combine and coordinate different schemes or actions. Understanding Piaget's stages of cognitive development is crucial for nurses caring for children as it helps in assessing and promoting age-appropriate interactions and interventions. By knowing the typical behaviors and abilities associated with each stage, nurses can provide appropriate developmental support and education to both children and their caregivers.

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.