The nurse observes a 10-month-old infant using her index finger and thumb to pick up pieces of cereal.
What does this behavior indicate the infant has developed?

Choice A rationale:
Suggesting that toddlers should be able to stay dry for 2 hours before beginning bladder training is too early. Most toddlers do not develop full bladder control until around the age of 3. Starting training too early may lead to frustration for both the child and the parents. It's essential to be patient and wait until the child is developmentally ready, which is typically around the age of 3.
Choice B rationale:
Suggesting that toddlers should be able to stay dry for 3 hours before beginning bladder training is a reasonable and developmentally appropriate guideline. Around the age of 3, many children start to gain better control over their bladder and can stay dry for longer periods. This is a good indication that they may be ready for bladder training. However, it's essential to remember that every child is different, and readiness may vary from one child to another.
Choice C rationale:
Suggesting that toddlers should be able to stay dry for 4 hours before beginning bladder training may be overly restrictive and not necessary. While some children may achieve this level of bladder control, it is not a standard benchmark for readiness. Waiting for 4 hours may delay the start of bladder training unnecessarily for some children.
Choice D rationale:
Suggesting that toddlers should be able to stay dry for 5 hours before beginning bladder training is too long and not a practical guideline. Waiting for such an extended period before initiating training is not developmentally appropriate, and it may lead to difficulties and accidents. It's important to strike a balance between waiting for readiness and not delaying training for an extended period, as suggested in choice B.

Choice A rationale:

Introducing solid foods to infants is an essential step in their development. The nurse should advise a parent to introduce each new food 4 to 7 days apart. This recommendation is based on the principles of food introduction and infant nutrition. By introducing new foods with this time gap, parents can monitor for any adverse reactions or allergies that may occur. It allows for the identification of potential food sensitivities, making it easier to determine the cause if the child develops any adverse reactions. This cautious approach ensures the safety and well-being of the child while also helping to establish healthy eating habits from a young age.

Choice B rationale:

Mixing foods together is not recommended when introducing solid foods to infants. This approach can make it challenging to identify the cause of any adverse reactions or allergies. If a parent mixes multiple foods and the child has a negative reaction, it becomes difficult to pinpoint which specific food caused the problem. Therefore, it's best to introduce one food at a time, as advised in choice A, to monitor the child's response effectively.

Choice C rationale:

Eliminating a refused food from the diet is not a suitable approach for introducing solid foods to infants. Refusing a new food is a common response in infants who are still getting used to the taste and texture of solid foods. It's important not to eliminate the food altogether, as it may take several attempts before the child accepts it. Parents should be encouraged to reintroduce the refused food at a later time. The focus should be on gradual exposure and persistence.

Choice D rationale:

Beginning with one tablespoon of food is not a recommended approach. Infants should start with small amounts of solid foods and gradually increase the quantity as they become more accustomed to the new textures and flavors. Starting with a larger portion can overwhelm the child and may lead to refusal or choking. A gradual introduction, as suggested in choice A, is a safer and more appropriate method.