NCLEX Review: Pediatric Growth and Development
The nurse knows that an infant's birth weight should be tripled by: a. 9 months. b. 1 year. c. 18 months. d. 2 years.
ANS: B The infant usually triples his or her birth weight by about 12 months of age.
Which stage of development is most unstable and challenging regarding development of personal identity? A) Adolescence B) Toddler hood C) Childhood D) Infancy
A) Adolescence
A mother of a 3-year-old tells a clinic nurse that the child is rebelling constantly and having temper tantrums. The nurse most appropriately tells the mother to: A) Punish the child every time the child says "no", to change the behavior B) Allow the behavior because this is normal at this age period C) Set limits on the child's behavior D) Ignore the child when this behavior occurs
C) Set limits on the child's behavior-According to Erikson, the child focuses on independence between ages 1 and 3 years. Gaining independence often means that the child has to rebel against the parents' wishes. Saying things like "no" or "mine" and having temper tantrums are common during this period of development. Being consistent and setting limits on the child's behavior are the necessary elements.
A nurse is preparing to care for a 5-year-old who has been placed in traction following a fracture of the femur. The nurse plans care, knowing that which of the following is the most appropriate activity for this child? A) Large picture books B) A radio C) Crayons and coloring book D) A sports video
C. In the preschooler, play is simple and imaginative and includes activities such as crayons and coloring books, puppets, felt and magnetic boards, and Play-Doh. Large picture books are most appropriate for the infant. A radio and a sports video are most appropriate for the adolescent.
The nurse would advise a mother who is concerned because her 10-month-old is lethargic to__________.
Go to the Emergency Department
In terms of gross motor development, what would the nurse expect a 5-month-old infant to do? a. Roll from abdomen to back. b. Roll from back to abdomen. c. Sit erect without support. d. Move from prone to sitting position.
ANS: A Rolling from abdomen to back is developmentally appropriate for a 5-month-old infant. The ability to roll from back to abdomen usually occurs at 6 months old. Sitting erect without support is a developmental milestone usually achieved by 8 months. The 10-month-old infant can usually move from a prone to a sitting position.
The parent of a 3-month-old infant asks the nurse, "At what age do infants usually begin drinking from a cup?" The nurse would reply: a. 5 months. b. 9 months. c. 1 year. d. 2 years.
ANS: A The infant can usually drink from a cup when it is offered at about 5 months.
The nurse is aware that the earliest age at which the infant should be able to walk independently is _____ months. a. 8 to 10 b. 12 to 15 c. 15 to 18 d. 18 to 21
ANS: B For the majority of children, the milestone of walking alone is achieved between 12 and 15 months.
A mother calls the pediatrician's office because her infant is "colicky." The helpful measure the nurse would suggest to the parent is to: a. sing songs to the infant in a soft voice. b. place the infant in a well-lit room. c. walk around and massage the infant's back. d. rock the fussy infant slowly and gently.
ANS: D One technique the nurse can offer parents of a fussy infant is to rock the infant gently and slowly while being careful to avoid sudden movements.
A clinic nurse assesses the communication patterns of a 5-month-old infant. The nurse determines that the infant is demonstrating the highest level of developmental achievement expected if the infant: A) Uses simple words such as "mama" B) Uses monosyllabic babbling C) Links syllables together D) Coos when comforted
B. Using monosyllabic babbling occurs between 3 and 6 months of age. Using simple words such as "mama" occurs between 9 and 12 months. Linking syllables together when communicating occurs between 6 and 9 months. Cooing begins at birth and continues until 2 months.
The parents of a 2-year-old tell the nurse that they are concerned because the toddler has started to use "baby talk" since the arrival of their new baby. The nurse should recommend that the parents: a. Ignore the "baby talk." b. Explain to the toddler that "baby talk" is for babies. c. Tell the toddler frequently, "You are a big kid now." d. Encourage the toddler to practice more advanced patterns of speech.
ANS: A The baby talk is a sign of regression in the toddler. It should be ignored, while praising the child for developmentally appropriate behaviors. Regression is children's way of saying that they are expressing stress. The parents should not introduce new expectations and should allow the child to master the developmental tasks without criticism.
What represents the major stressor of hospitalization for children from middle infancy throughout the preschool years? a. Separation anxiety b. Loss of control c. Fear of bodily injury d. Fear of pain
ANS: A The major stress for children from infancy through the preschool years is separation anxiety, also called anaclitic depression. This is a major stressor of hospitalization. Loss of control, fear of bodily injury, and fear of pain are all stressors associated with hospitalization. However, separation from family is a primary stressor in this age group.
A parent of an 18-month-old boy tells the nurse that he says "no" to everything and has rapid mood swings. If he is scolded, he shows anger and then immediately wants to be held. The nurse's best interpretation of this behavior is that: a. This is normal behavior for his age. b. This is unusual behavior for his age. c. He is not effectively coping with stress. d. He is showing he needs more attention.
ANS: A Toddlers use distinct behaviors in the quest for autonomy. They express their will with continued negativity and the use of the word "no." Children at this age also have rapid mood swings. The nurse should reassure the parents that their child is engaged in expected behavior for an 18-month-old.
Which statement best describes fear in school-age children? a. They are increasingly fearful for body safety. b. Most of the new fears that trouble them are related to school and family. c. They should be encouraged to hide their fears to prevent ridicule by peers. d. Those who have numerous fears need continuous protective behavior by parents to eliminate these fears.
ANS: B During the school-age years children experience a wide variety of fears, but new fears related predominantly to school and family bother children during this time. During the middle-school years children become less fearful of body safety than they were as preschoolers. Parents and other persons involved with children should discuss their fear with them individually or as a group activity. Sometimes school-age children hide their fears to avoid being teased. Hiding the fears does not end them and may lead to phobias.
Which statement accurately describes physical development during the school-age years? a. The child's weight almost triples. b. A child grows an average of 2 inches per year. c. Few physical differences are apparent among children at the end of middle childhood. d. Fat gradually increases, which contributes to the child's heavier appearance.
ANS: B In middle childhood growth in height and weight occur at a slower pace. Between the ages of 6 to 12 years, children grow 2 inches per year. In middle childhood children's weight will almost double; they gain 3 kg/year. At the end of middle childhood girls grow taller and gain more weight than boys. Children take on a slimmer look with longer legs in middle childhood.
What is descriptive of the play of school-age children? a. Individuality in play is better tolerated than at earlier ages. b. Knowing the rules of a game gives an important sense of belonging. c. They like to invent games, making up the rules as they go. d. Team play helps children learn the universal importance of competition and winning.
ANS: B Play involves increased physical skill, intellectual ability, and fantasy. Children form groups and cliques and develop a sense of belonging to a team or club. At this age children begin to see the need for rules. Conformity and ritual permeate their play. Their games have fixed and unvarying rules, which may be bizarre and extraordinarily rigid. With team play children learn about competition and the importance of winning, an attribute highly valued in the United States.
A 4-year-old boy is hospitalized with a serious bacterial infection. He tells the nurse that he is sick because he was "bad." The nurse's best interpretation of this comment is that it is: a. A sign of stress. b. Common at this age. c. Suggestive of maladaptation. d. Suggestive of excessive discipline at home.
ANS: B Preschoolers cannot understand the cause and effect of illness. Their egocentrism makes them think that they are directly responsible for events, making them feel guilt for things outside of their control. Children of this age show stress by regressing developmentally or acting out. Maladaptation is unlikely. This comment does not imply excessive discipline at home.
According to Erikson, the psychosocial task of adolescence is developing: a. Intimacy. c. Initiative. b. Identity. d. Independence.
ANS: B Traditional psychosocial theory holds that the developmental crises of adolescence lead to the formation of a sense of identity. Intimacy is the developmental stage for early adulthood. Initiative is the developmental stage for early childhood. Independence is not one of Erikson's developmental stages.
Which statement is correct about toilet training? a. Bladder training is usually accomplished before bowel training. b. Wanting to please the parent helps motivate the child to use the toilet. c. Watching older siblings use the toilet confuses the child. d. Children must be forced to sit on the toilet when first learning.
ANS: B Voluntary control of the anal and urethral sphincters is achieved sometime after the child is walking. The child must be able to recognize the urge to let go and to hold on. The child must want to please the parent by holding on rather than pleasing self by letting go. Bowel training precedes bladder training. Watching older siblings provides role modeling and facilitates imitation for the toddler. The child should be introduced to the potty chair or toilet in a nonthreatening manner.
Which type of play is most typical of the preschool period? a. Solitary c. Associative b. Parallel d. Team
ANS: C Associative play is group play in similar or identical activities but without rigid organization or rules. Solitary play is that of infants. Parallel play is that of toddlers. School-age children play in teams.
Most infants begin to fear strangers at age: a. 2 months c. 6 months b. 4 months d. 12 months
ANS: C Between ages 6 and 8 months fear of strangers and stranger anxiety become prominent and are related to the infant's ability to discriminate between familiar and nonfamiliar people. At age 2 months infants are just beginning to respond differentially to the mother. At age 4 months the infant is beginning the process of separation individuation when the infant begins to recognize self and mother as separate beings. Twelve months is too late and requires referral for evaluation if the child does not fear strangers at this age.
Generally the earliest age at which puberty begins is: a. 13 years in girls, 13 years in boys b. 11 years in girls, 11 years in boys c. 10 years in girls; 12 years in boys d. 12 years in girls, 10 years in boys
ANS: C Puberty signals the beginning of the development of secondary sex characteristics. This begins in girls earlier than in boys. Usually a 2-year difference occurs in the age at onset. Girls and boys do not usually begin puberty at the same age; girls usually begin earlier than boys do.
The statement made by a parent that indicates correct understanding of infant feeding is: a. "I've been mixing rice cereal and formula in the baby's bottle." b. "I switched the baby to low-fat milk at 9 months." c. "The baby really likes little pieces of chocolate." d. "I give the baby any new foods before he takes his bottle."
ANS: D New solid foods should be introduced before formula or breast milk to encourage the infant to try new foods.
The nurse observes a 10-month-old infant using her index finger and thumb to pick up pieces of cereal. This behavior is evidence that the infant has developed: a. the pincer grasp. b. a grasp reflex. c. prehension ability. d. the parachute reflex.
ANS: A By 1 year, the pincer-grasp coordination of index finger and thumb is well established.
The nurse explains that by the age of 6 months an iron-rich formula should be offered because the infant has: a. limited ability to produce red blood cells. b. ineffective digestive enzymes. c. exhausted maternal iron stores. d. need of the iron to support dentition.
C
The nurse would expect a 4-month-old to be able to: a. hold a cup. b. stand with assistance. c. lift head and shoulders. d. sit with back straight.
ANS: C Because development is cephalocaudal, of these choices, lifting the head and shoulders is the one that the infant learns to do first. The infant can usually sit with support at about 5 months of age and can sit alone at about 8 months.
The nurse is aware that the earliest age at which an infant is able to sit steadily alone is _____ months. a. 4 b. 5 c. 8 d. 15
ANS: C The infant can sit alone without support at about 8 months of age.
An adolescent boy tells the nurse that he has recently had homosexual feelings. The nurse's response should be based on knowledge that: a. This indicates that the adolescent is homosexual. b. This indicates that the adolescent will become homosexual as an adult. c. The adolescent should be referred for psychotherapy. d. The adolescent should be encouraged to share his feelings and experiences.
ANS: D These adolescents are at increased risk for health-damaging behaviors, not because of the sexual behavior itself, but because of society's reaction to the behavior. The nurse's first priority is to give the young man permission to discuss his feelings about this topic, knowing that the nurse will maintain confidentially, appreciate his feelings, and remain sensitive to his need to talk it. In recent studies among self-identified gay, lesbian, and bisexual adolescents, many of the adolescents report changing their self-labels one or more times during their adolescence.
The nurse teaches parents how to help their children learn impulse control and cooperative behaviors. This would occur during which of the stages of development defined by Erikson? A.Trust versus mistrust B.Initiative versus guilt C.Industry versus inferiority D.Autonomy vs. Shame and doubt
B) Initiative vs Guilt. The stage of initiative versus guilt occurs from ages 3 to 6 years, during which children develop direction and purpose. Teaching impulse control and cooperative behaviors during this stage help the child to avoid risks of altered growth and development. In the autonomy versus sense of shame and doubt stage, toddlers learn to achieve self-control and willpower. Trust versus mistrust is the first stage, during which children develop faith and optimism. During the industry versus inferiority stage, children develop a sense of competency.
A nurse is evaluating the developmental level of a 2-year-old. Which of the following does the nurse expect to observe in this child? A) Uses a fork to eat B) Uses a cup to drink C) Uses a knife for cutting food D) Pours own milk into a cup
B. By age 2 years, the child can use a cup and can use a spoon correctly but with some spilling. By ages 3 to 4, the child begins to use a fork. By the end of the preschool period, the child should be able to pour milk into a cup and begin to use a knife for cutting.
When assessing development in a 9-month-old infant, the nurse would expect to observe the infant: a. speaking in 2-word sentences. b. grasping objects with palmar grasp. c. creeping along the floor. d. beginning to use a spoon rather sloppily.
ANS: C The 9-month-old tries to creep, has developed pincer movement, and can grasp a spoon without keeping food on it.
The abnormal finding in an evaluation of growth and development for a 6-month-old infant would be: a. weight gain of 4 to 7 ounces per week. b. length increase of 1 inch in 2 months. c. head lag present. d. can sit alone for a few seconds.
ANS: C The infant should be holding the head up well by 5 months of age. If head lag is present at 6 months, the child should undergo further evaluation.
What would the nurse expect of a healthy 3-year-old child? a. Jump rope b. Ride a two-wheel bicycle c. Skip on alternate feet d. Balance on one foot for a few seconds
ANS: D 3-year-olds are able to accomplish the gross motor skill of balancing on one foot. Jumping rope, riding a two-wheel bike, and skipping on alternative feet are gross motor skills of 5-year-old children
In terms of fine motor development, the infant of 7 months should be able to: a. Transfer objects from one hand to the other. b. Use thumb and index finger in crude pincer grasp. c. Hold crayon and make a mark on paper. d. Release cubes into a cup.
ANS: A By age 7 months infants can transfer objects from one hand to the other, crossing the midline. The crude pincer grasp is apparent at about age 9 months. The child can scribble spontaneously at age 15 months. At age 12 months the child can release cubes into a cup.
A maternity nurse is providing instruction to a new mother regarding the psychosocial development of the newborn infant. Using Erikson's psychosocial development theory, the nurse would instruct the mother to A) Allow the newborn infant to signal a need B) Anticipate all of the needs of the newborn infant C) Avoid the newborn infant during the first 10 minutes of crying D) Attend to the newborn infant immediately when crying
A) Allow the newborn infant to signal a need. Trust vs Mistrust stage-This will allow the infant opportunity to gain trust.
The mother of a toddler asks a nurse when it is safe to place the car safety seat in a face-forward position. The best nursing response is which of the following? A) When the toddler weighs 20 lbs B) The seat should not be placed in a face-forward position unless there are safety locks in the car C) The seat should never be place in a face-forward position because the risk of the child unbuckling the harness D) When the weight of the toddler is greater than 40 lbs
A. The transition point for switching to the forward facing position is defined by the manufacturer of the convertible car safety seat but is generally at a body weight of 9 kg or 20 lb and 1 year of age. Convertible car safety seats are used until the child weighs at least 40 lb. Options b, c, and d are incorrect
The nurse explains that the second process of self-mobility an infant learns is seen at the age of 9 months, when the infant begins to ___________.
ANS: creep At 7 months the infant begins to crawl, using arms and dragging trunk and legs. At 9 months the infant begins to creep, holding his or her trunk above the floor. The next self-mobility activity is cruising, where the child walks from one piece of furniture to the next before it begins to walk independently.
A 16-year-old is admitted to the hospital for acute appendicitis, and an appendectomy is performed. Which of the following nursing interventions is most appropriate to facilitate normal growth and development? A) Allow the family to bring in the child's favorite computer games B) Encourage the parents to room-in with the child C) Encourage the child to rest and read D) Allow the child to participate in activities with other individuals in the same age group when the condition permits
D. Adolescents often are not sure whether they want their parents with them when they are hospitalized. Because of the importance of the peer group, separation from friends is a source of anxiety. Ideally, the members of the peer group will support their ill friend. Options a, b, and c isolate the child from the peer group.
The role of the peer group in the life of school-age children is that it: a. Gives them an opportunity to learn dominance and hostility. b. Allows them to remain dependent on their parents for a longer time. c. Decreases their need to learn appropriate sex roles. d. Provides them with security as they gain independence from their parents.
ANS: D Peer-group identification is an important factor in gaining independence from parents. Through peer relationships children learn ways to deal with dominance and hostility. They also learn how to relate to people in positions of leadership and authority and explore ideas and the physical environment. Peer-group identification helps in gaining independence rather than remaining dependent. A child's concept of appropriate sex roles is influenced by relationships with peers.
A 17-month-old child would be expected to be in what stage according to Piaget? a. Trust b. Preoperations c. Secondary circular reaction d. Tertiary circular reaction
ANS: D The 17-month-old is in the fifth stage of the sensorimotor phase: tertiary circular reactions. The child uses active experimentation to achieve previously unattainable goals. Trust is Erikson's first stage. Preoperations is the stage of cognitive development usually present in older toddlers and preschoolers. Secondary circular reactions last from about ages 4 to 8 months.
A parent brings a 6-month-old infant to the pediatric clinic for her well-baby examination. Her birth weight was 8 pounds, 2 ounces. The nurse weighing the infant today would expect her weight to be at least _____ pounds. a. 12 b. 16 c. 20 d. 24
ANS: B Birth weight is usually doubled by 6 months of age.
In terms of cognitive development the 5-year-old child would be expected to: a. Use magical thinking. b. Think abstractly. c. Understand conservation of matter. d. Be unable to comprehend another person's perspective.
ANS: A Magical thinking is believing that thoughts can cause events. Abstract thought does not develop until school-age years. The concept of conservation is the cognitive task of school-age children ages 5 to 7 years. Five-year-olds cannot understand another's perspective.
The nurse is aware that the age at which the posterior fontanelle closes is _____ months. a. 2 to 3 b. 3 to 6 c. 6 to 9 d. 9 to 12
ANS: A The posterior fontanelle closes between 2 and 3 months of age.
A 3-month-old infant, born at 38 weeks of gestation, will hold a rattle if it is put in her hands, but she will not voluntarily grasp it. The nurse should interpret this as: a. Normal development. b. Significant developmental lag. c. Slightly delayed development caused by prematurity. d. Suggestive of a neurologic disorder such as cerebral palsy.
ANS: A This indicates normal development. Reflexive grasping occurs during the first 2 to 3 months and then gradually becomes voluntary. No evidence of neurologic dysfunction is present.
The nurse discusses child-proofing the home for safety with the mother of a 9-month-old. The statement made by the mother that indicates an unsafe behavior is: a. "I put covers on all of the electrical outlets." b. "In the car, she rides in a front-facing car seat." c. "There are locks on all of the cabinets in the house." d. "I have a gate at the top and bottom of the stairs."
ANS: B A rear-facing infant car seat should be used for infants younger than 1 year of age.
An adolescent girl tells the nurse that she is very suicidal. The nurse asks her if she has a specific plan. Asking this should be considered: a. An appropriate part of the assessment. b. Not a critical part of the assessment. c. Suggesting that the adolescent needs a plan. d. Encouraging the adolescent to devise a plan.
ANS: A Routine health assessments of adolescents should include questions that assess the presence of suicidal ideation or intent. Questions such as, "Have you ever developed a plan to hurt yourself or kill yourself" should be part of that assessment. Threats of suicide should always be taken seriously and evaluated. Suggesting that the adolescent needs a plan and encouraging them to devise this plan are inappropriate statements by the nurse.
In terms of gross motor development, what would the nurse expect a 5-month-old infant to do? Choose all that apply. a. Roll from abdomen to back b. Put feet in mouth when supine c. Roll from back to abdomen d. Sit erect without support e. Move from prone to sitting position f. Adjust posture to reach an object
ANS: A, B Rolling from abdomen to back and placing the feet in the mouth when supine are developmentally appropriate for a 5-month-old infant.
The nurse cautions that children who have unmet hunger needs will likely display which characteristic(s)? Select all that apply. a. Irritability b. Ineffective feeding patterns c. No predictable sleep-wake cycle d. Distrust e. Effective parent bonding
ANS: A, B, C, D Children who experience frequent hunger do not have effective parental bonding. All other options are probable outcomes for a child who has unmet hunger needs.
A group of boys ages 9 and 10 years have formed a "boys-only" club that is open to neighborhood and school friends who have skateboards. This should be interpreted: a. Behavior that encourages bullying and sexism. b. Behavior that reinforces poor peer relationships. c. Characteristic of social development of this age. d. Characteristic of children who later are at risk for membership in gangs.
ANS: C One of the outstanding characteristics of middle childhood is the creation of formalized groups or clubs. Peer-group identification and association are essential to a child's socialization. Poor relationships with peers and a lack of group identification can contribute to bullying. A boys-only club does not have a direct correlation with later gang activity.
The most appropriate activity to recommend to parents to promote sensorimotor stimulation for a 1-year-old would be to: a. ride a tricycle. b. spend time in an infant swing. c. play with push-pull toys. d. read large picture books.
ANS: C Push-pull toys are appropriate to promote sensorimotor stimulation for a 1-year-old child.
Peer relationships become more important during adolescence because: a. Adolescents dislike their parents. b. Adolescents no longer need parental control. c. They provide adolescents with a feeling of belonging. d. They promote a sense of individuality in adolescents.
ANS: C The peer group serves as a strong support to teenagers, providing them with a sense of belonging and strength and power. During adolescence the parent/child relationship changes from one of protection-dependency to one of mutual affection and quality. Parents continue to play an important role in the personal and health-related decisions. The peer group forms the transitional world between dependence and autonomy.
The most common cause of death in the adolescent age-group involves: a. Drownings. b. Firearms. c. Drug overdoses. d. Motor vehicles.
ANS: D 36% of all adolescent deaths in the United States are the result of motor vehicle accidents. Drownings, firearms, and drug overdoses are major concerns in adolescence but do not cause the majority of deaths.
The nurse would advise a parent when introducing solid foods to: a. begin with one tablespoon of food. b. mix foods together. c. eliminate a refused food from the diet. d. introduce each new food 4 to 7 days apart.
ANS: D Only one new food is offered in a 4- to 7-day period to determine tolerance.
Which characteristic best describes the gross motor skills of a 24-month-old child? a. Skips b. Rides tricycle c. Broad jumps d. Walks up and down stairs
ANS: D The 24-month-old child can go up and down stairs alone with two feet on each step. Skipping and the ability to broad jump are skills acquired at age 3. Tricycle riding is achieved at age 4.
The parent of a 4-year-old son tells the nurse that the child believes "monsters and boogeyman" are in his bedroom at night. The nurse's best suggestion for coping with this problem is to: a. Insist that the child sleep with his parents until the fearful phase passes. b. Suggest involving the child to find a practical solution such as a night light. c. Help the child understand that these fears are illogical. d. Tell the child frequently that monsters and boogeyman do not exist.
ANS: B A night light shows a child that imaginary creatures do not lurk in the darkness. Letting the child sleep with parents will not get rid of the fears. A 4-year-old is in the preconceptual age and cannot understand logical thought.
What describes a toddler's cognitive development at age 20 months? a. Searches for an object only if he or she sees it being hidden b. Realizes that "out of sight" is not out of reach c. Puts objects into a container but cannot take them out d. Understands the passage of time such as "just a minute" and "in an hour"
ANS: B At this age the child is in the final sensorimotor stage. Children will now search for an object in several potential places, even though they saw only the original hiding place. Children have a more developed sense of objective permanence. They will search for objects even if they have not seen them hidden. Putting an object in a container but being able to take it out indicates tertiary circular reactions. An embryonic sense of time exists, although the children may behave appropriately to time-oriented phrases; their sense of timing is exaggerated.
The school nurse has been asked to begin teaching sex education in the 5th grade. The nurse should recognize that: a. Children in 5th grade are too young for sex education. b. Children should be discouraged from asking too many questions. c. Correct terminology should be reserved for children who are older. d. Sex can be presented as a normal part of growth and development.
ANS: D When sex information is presented to school-age children, sex should be treated as a normal part of growth and development. Fifth graders are usually 10 to 11 years old. This age is not too young to speak about physiologic changes in their bodies. They should be encouraged to ask questions. Preadolescents need precise and concrete information.
What should the teaching plan include about infant fall precautions? Select all that apply. a. Remove all unsteady furniture. b. Keep crib rails up and in locked position. c. Steady infant with hand when on changing table. d. Use tray attachment on high chair as restraint. e. Keep infant seat on the floor.
ANS: A, B, C, E The tray attachment to a high chair is an inadequate restraint. All other options are good precautions to prevent an infant from a fall.
Although a 14-month-old girl received a shock from an electrical outlet recently, her parents find her about to place a paper clip in another outlet. The best interpretation of this behavior is: a. Her cognitive development is delayed. b. This is typical behavior because toddlers are not very developed. c. This is typical behavior because of inability to transfer knowledge to new situations. d. This is not typical behavior because toddlers should know better than to repeat an act that caused pain.
ANS: C During the tertiary circular reactions stage, children have only a rudimentary sense of the classification of objects. The appearance of an object denotes its function for these children. The slot of an outlet is for putting things into. Her cognitive development is appropriate for her age and represents typical behavior for a toddler. Only some awareness exists of a causal relation between events.
