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Question

Difficulty: MediumDevelopmental Stages and Transitions

A practical nurse is reinforcing teaching with a group of first-time parents about expected gross motor development during the first year of life. Arrange the following infant milestones in the chronological order they are typically achieved, from earliest to latest.

  1. 1Lifting the head and chest while in a prone position
  2. 2Rolling completely over from the abdomen to the back
  3. 3Maintaining a seated position without assistance
  4. 4Pulling up to a standing position using the edge of a crib
  5. 5Cruising sideways while holding onto a piece of furniture

Answer

The correct chronological sequence of gross motor development is: lifting the head and chest while prone, rolling from the abdomen to the back, maintaining a seated position without assistance, pulling up to a standing position, and finally cruising sideways while holding onto furniture.
The correct chronological sequence follows the principles of cephalocaudal (head-to-toe) development. The infant first gains control of the head and neck, then the upper trunk, then the lower trunk, and finally the lower extremities for weight-bearing and movement.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the milestone associated with the earliest stage of cephalocaudal development, which involves gaining basic neck control.
Lifting the head and chest while prone is the earliest milestone, typically achieved at 2 to 3 months of age.
Motor control begins at the head and gradually moves downward.
2
Determine the next milestone as motor control extends further down the trunk.
Rolling from the abdomen to the back occurs next, typically around 4 to 5 months of age.
Increased trunk control allows the infant to shift their body weight to flip over.
3
Identify the milestone that requires lower back and core stabilization.
Maintaining a seated position without assistance follows, usually around 8 months of age.
Independent sitting requires strong core muscles to maintain balance without relying on the arms.
4
Identify the initial lower extremity weight-bearing milestone that precedes walking.
Pulling up to a standing position occurs next, around 9 to 10 months of age.
Leg strength and coordination develop sufficiently to bear body weight when the infant uses their upper body to pull up.
5
Identify the final transitional milestone before independent ambulation.
Cruising sideways while holding onto furniture is the last milestone in this sequence, typically at 11 months of age.
Cruising integrates balance, weight-bearing, and stepping while the infant still relies on upper extremity support.

Key Concept

Chronological Sequence of Infant Gross Motor Development
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Topics

Developmental Stages and Transitions

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