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Difficulty: MediumDevelopmental Stages and Transitions

During a scheduled health maintenance visit at a pediatric practice, a practical nurse observes a 9-month-old infant interacting with their caregiver. Which of the following observed behaviors should the nurse document as expected developmental milestones for this specific age? Select all that apply.

  1. Pulling up to a standing position by holding onto the examination tableAnswer
  2. B
    Building a small tower using three to four wooden blocks
  3. Exhibiting visible distress when the primary caregiver leaves the roomAnswer
  4. D
    Speaking in short, simple two-word phrases to express needs
  5. Grasping a small object using the thumb and index fingerAnswer
  6. F
    Walking independently across the room without any support

Answer

The expected developmental milestones for a 9-month-old include pulling up to a standing position, exhibiting separation anxiety, and using a crude pincer grasp.
At 9 months of age, infants demonstrate significant progress in neuromuscular and psychosocial development. Expected milestones include the gross motor skill of pulling to a stand, the fine motor skill of using a crude pincer grasp, and the psychosocial development of separation anxiety due to an understanding of object permanence.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the infant's chronological age (9 months) to determine the expected stage of gross motor development.
At 9 months, an infant should be able to sit unsupported, creep on hands and knees, and pull to a standing position.
Gross motor skills progress in a predictable cephalocaudal direction, advancing from sitting to pulling up during this period.
2
Evaluate expected fine motor development for a 9-month-old.
The infant should demonstrate a crude pincer grasp, utilizing the thumb and index finger.
Fine motor skills progress proximodistally, shifting from a full-hand palmar grasp to a more refined pincer grasp by the end of the first year.
3
Assess the expected psychosocial and cognitive development for a 9-month-old.
The infant will likely exhibit separation anxiety and stranger anxiety.
Object permanence and attachment to primary caregivers are strongly developed at this stage, causing distress when the caregiver is out of sight.
4
Compare the provided options against the 9-month milestones and exclude behaviors expected in older toddlers.
Building block towers (18 months), using two-word phrases (24 months), and walking independently (12-15 months) are incorrect for this age.
These specific behaviors require more advanced neuromuscular maturity and cognitive development than a 9-month-old possesses.

Key Concept

Infant Developmental Milestones (9 Months)
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Topics

Developmental Stages and Transitions

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