A nurse is assessing a 4-month-old infant on a pediatric unit.
Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
Uses thumb and index fingers in a pincer grasp.
Closed posterior fontanel.
Lateral incisors.
Sitting steadily without support.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale
A pincer grasp, using the thumb and index finger to pick up small objects, typically develops around 9 to 12 months of age, not at 4 months.
Choice B rationale
The posterior fontanel typically closes by the age of 2 to 3 months, so a 4-month-old infant would be expected to have a closed posterior fontanel. This finding is consistent with normal development.
Choice C rationale
Lateral incisors, the teeth on either side of the front teeth, typically erupt around 9 to 13 months of age, not at 4 months.
Choice D rationale
Sitting steadily without support generally occurs closer to 6 to 8 months of age, so it would not be expected in a 4-month-old infant.
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Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Proximodistal development refers to growth from the center of the body outward to the extremities. An infant grabbing with their whole hand (palmar grasp) before developing a
pincer grasp demonstrates this pattern, as they gain control of arm movements before fine motor skills in the fingers.
Choice B rationale
Cephalocaudal development refers to growth from head to toe, such as gaining control over head and neck muscles before the limbs. This does not directly explain the grasping
behavior described.
Choice C rationale
Distoproximal is not a recognized term in developmental science and does not describe a growth pattern.
Choice D rationale
Top-to-bottom is another way of describing cephalocaudal development but does not specifically address the described behavior in grasping development. .
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
The deltoid muscle is not recommended for newborns due to its small size and underdevelopment.
Choice B rationale
The vastus lateralis muscle is well-developed in newborns and has a large enough surface area to safely accommodate injections.
Choice C rationale
The gluteus maximus muscle is not suitable for newborn injections due to the risk of nerve damage.
Choice D rationale
The rectus femoris muscle is less commonly used due to the potential for more pain and discomfort.