A nurse is teaching about growth and development to a parent of a 12-year-old child. The nurse should instruct the parent to expect the child to exhibit which of the following characteristics during early adolescence?

Choice A reason: Introducing popcorn as a healthy snack at 12 months of age is not recommended due to the risk of choking. Popcorn is a choking hazard for young children and should be avoided until they are older.

Choice B reason: Providing 36 oz of milk per day to a toddler may be excessive and can lead to iron deficiency anemia due to the displacement of other iron-rich foods. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends 16-24 oz of milk per day for toddlers.

Choice C reason: Offering 8 to 10 oz of juice per day to a preschooler exceeds the American Academy of Pediatrics' recommendation of limiting juice to 4-6 oz per day for children 1-6 years old to prevent dental caries and ensure they consume more whole fruits.

Choice D reason: Encouraging a 15-year-old to increase calcium intake is appropriate as adolescence is a critical period for bone development. Adequate calcium intake supports optimal bone growth and density, helping to prevent osteoporosis later in life.

Choice A reason: Irregular bluish pigmentation on the sacral area could indicate a Mongolian spot, which is common and usually harmless, but it could also suggest other conditions that may require further evaluation. Reporting this finding is important for proper assessment and documentation.

Choice B reason: Slow, rhythmic movements of the lower extremities are normal in newborns and are known as primitive reflexes. These movements are expected and do not typically require reporting unless they are absent or abnormal.

Choice C reason: An anterior fontanel size of 3 cm (1.2 in) is within the normal range for a newborn. The fontanel should be soft and flat, and changes in size or tension should be monitored over time.

Choice D reason: Enlarged breasts in newborns are also common due to maternal hormones and usually resolve without intervention. It is not a finding that typically requires immediate reporting unless there is redness, swelling, or discharge.