A nurse is assessing a 6-month-old infant at a well-child visit. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

A.Toddlers experience slowed growth compared to infancy, leading to a natural decrease in appetite (physiologic anorexia). Instead of increasing caloric intake, parents should be encouraged to offer nutrient-dense foods in small, frequent meals and avoid pressuring the child to eat.

B.Tantrums are common in toddlers as they begin to assert independence but struggle with emotional regulation. Parents should use strategies such as remaining calm, setting clear limits, offering choices when appropriate, and using positive reinforcement to help manage tantrums effectively.

C.Establishing trust is a key developmental task of infancy (Erikson’s trust vs. mistrust stage). In toddlerhood (autonomy vs. shame and doubt stage), the focus is on developing independence, so guidance should focus on setting boundaries, providing choices, and allowing safe exploration rather than trust-building alone.

D.Cooperative play is typically aimed at older preschoolers and not toddlers, who are still developing social skills and tend to engage in parallel play rather than cooperative play.

E.Early dental hygiene is crucial for preventing cavities and establishing good oral health habits. Parents should begin brushing their toddler's teeth with a soft toothbrush and a small amount of fluoride toothpaste and schedule the first dental visit by 12 months of age or within 6 months of the first tooth eruption.

Crying is a common behavioral response to pain in infants, and it serves as an important indicator of discomfort. Infants may cry more intensely, have a high-pitched cry, or exhibit inconsolable crying when they are in pain. It is important for the nurse to assess the infant's pain level and provide appropriate interventions to alleviate the discomfort.