During a routine health maintenance visit, the mother of a 6-month-old male infant expresses anxiety regarding his motor skills. She notes that her older daughter was already sitting upright completely unassisted by this age, but the patient immediately falls over if not propped up with pillows. Current developmental history reveals that he successfully rolls over in both directions, grasps toys with a raking motion, turns his head toward familiar voices, and babbles. Physical examination shows no abnormalities, and muscle tone is symmetric. Which of the following is the most appropriate action for the physician to take?
- AObtain a magnetic resonance imaging scan of the brain
- BOrder a serum thyroid-stimulating hormone level
- Reassure the mother that the infant's motor development is age-appropriateAnswer
- DRefer the infant for a pediatric physical therapy evaluation
- ERecommend a formal neurological assessment for cerebral palsy
Answer
Reassure the mother that the infant's motor development is age-appropriate
The correct answer provides reassurance because the infant is demonstrating normal, age-appropriate gross motor development. At 6 months of age, infants are expected to roll over in both directions and sit with support. Independent sitting (sitting completely without support) is typically achieved between 7 and 9 months of age. Because this infant has met the expected 6-month milestones across all domains (rolling over, sitting propped up, raking grasp, babbling) and has a normal physical examination, no further medical workup or therapeutic referral is required.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Normal developmental milestones at 6 months include rolling over, sitting with support, raking grasp, and babbling. Sitting independently without support is typically achieved by 9 months.
Estimated Time:45s