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Difficulty: MediumDevelopmental Stages and Transitions

During a routine wellness visit, a practical nurse observes a 12-month-old client interacting with various objects on the examination table. Which specific behavior demonstrates that the infant has achieved an expected developmental milestone for this age?

  1. Grasping a small piece of cereal between the thumb and index fingerAnswer
  2. B
    Building a stable tower consisting of six wooden blocks
  3. C
    Drawing a continuous, enclosed circle on a piece of paper
  4. D
    Removing an article of clothing independently without assistance

Answer

Grasping a small piece of cereal between the thumb and index finger is the expected developmental milestone for a 12-month-old.
By 10 to 12 months of age, infants fully develop a mature, neat pincer grasp. This allows them to pick up small objects, such as a piece of cereal, using precise coordination between the tips of their thumb and index finger. This action confirms normal fine motor development for a 12-month-old.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the client's chronological age in the scenario.
The client is exactly 12 months (1 year) old.
Developmental milestones are assessed based on chronological age expectations.
2
Recall the expected motor milestones for a 12-month-old infant.
Expected skills include a neat pincer grasp, pulling to a stand, standing momentarily without support, and potentially taking first steps.
Accurate knowledge of age-specific milestones is required to evaluate normal development.
3
Evaluate each answer choice against the expectations for a 12-month-old.
The pincer grasp matches the 12-month expectation. Building a six-block tower, drawing a circle, and undressing are advanced skills that emerge during toddlerhood and preschool years.
This process of elimination isolates the correct age-appropriate behavior.

Key Concept

Infant Developmental Milestones
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Topics

Developmental Stages and Transitions

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