A nurse is offering anticipatory guidance on child development to the parents of a toddler. Which developmental task should the nurse mention as being expected of a toddler?
Explains the difference between right and wrong.
Cooperates in performing simple chores.
Prints letters and numbers.
Separates easily from primary caregiver for short periods of time.
The Correct Answer is D
The correct answer is Choice D
Choice A rationale: Moral reasoning, including distinguishing right from wrong, requires abstract cognitive processing and internalization of social norms, typically emerging during the concrete operational stage around age 7. Toddlers are in Piaget’s sensorimotor to early preoperational phase, where egocentrism dominates and behavior is guided by immediate consequences rather than ethical principles. They lack the neurological maturity and social-cognitive integration required for moral discourse, making this milestone developmentally inappropriate for the toddler age group.
Choice B rationale: Performing simple chores involves task comprehension, motor coordination, and social cooperation, which are more consistently observed in preschool-aged children (4–5 years). Toddlers may imitate adult actions but lack sustained attention, impulse control, and fine motor precision needed for chore completion. Their psychosocial development is centered on autonomy and exploration, not structured responsibility. Expecting chore cooperation at this stage exceeds normative developmental expectations and may lead to frustration or behavioral resistance.
Choice C rationale: Printing letters and numbers requires advanced fine motor control, visual-motor integration, and symbolic cognition, typically achieved between ages 5 and 6. Toddlers are still developing basic hand-eye coordination and may engage in scribbling, but they lack the neuromuscular refinement and cognitive mapping needed for structured writing. Neurodevelopmental milestones do not support this skill in the toddler phase, making it scientifically inaccurate to expect printing behavior before preschool age.
Choice D rationale: By age 3, toddlers begin to tolerate brief separations from primary caregivers due to improved object permanence, emotional regulation, and social awareness. This aligns with Erikson’s autonomy vs. shame and doubt stage, where toddlers explore independence while maintaining secure attachment. Separation anxiety peaks around 9–18 months and typically declines by age 3. The ability to separate easily for short periods reflects healthy psychosocial development and is a scientifically appropriate expectation for toddlers.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Encouraging self-care is important, but it may not be the immediate priority if the patient is exhibiting manic behavior and has recently experienced significant personal stressors.
Choice B rationale
Assisting the patient in identifying coping behaviors is a key part of treatment, but it may not be the immediate priority if the patient is at risk of self-harm.
Choice C rationale
Preventing self-directed violence is the priority action. Patients exhibiting manic behavior may have impaired judgment and impulse control, putting them at risk of self-harm.
Choice D rationale
Identifying support systems is important, but it may not be the immediate priority if the patient is at risk of self-harm.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Sliced ham with green salad might not be the best choice for a patient with diverticulitis. Ham is a processed meat, which is generally high in fat and can be difficult to digest, potentially irritating the digestive tract. Moreover, a green salad, while generally healthy, can be high in fiber, especially if it includes raw vegetables. During a diverticulitis flare-up, a low-fiber diet is recommended.
Choice B rationale
Grilled chicken breast with white rice is an excellent choice for a patient with diverticulitis. Chicken is a lean protein that is easy to digest. White rice is a low-fiber carbohydrate that is
also easy on the digestive system. This meal is consistent with the dietary recommendations for diverticulitis during the recovery phase, which includes low-fiber foods.
Choice C rationale
A turkey sandwich with celery sticks might not be suitable for a patient with diverticulitis. While turkey is a lean protein, celery sticks are high in fiber and can be difficult to digest, potentially irritating the digestive tract.
Choice D rationale
Pork tenderloin with green peas might not be the best choice for a patient with diverticulitis. Although pork tenderloin is a lean meat, green peas are high in fiber and can be difficult to digest, potentially irritating the digestive tract.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.