Which statement by the mother of an 18-month-old would lead the nurse to believe that the child should be referred for further evaluation for developmental delay?
“My child has a vocabulary of approximately 20 words.”
“My child is still thumb sucking.”
“My child seems to be quite wary of strangers.”
“My child is able to stand but is not yet taking steps independently.”
The Correct Answer is D
A. “My child has a vocabulary of approximately 20 words.”
This statement indicates language development, and an 18-month-old with a vocabulary of approximately 20 words is within the expected range. It's a positive indicator of language acquisition.
B. “My child is still thumb sucking.”
Thumb sucking is a common self-soothing behavior in infants and toddlers. While it's a normal behavior, it typically decreases with age. Thumb sucking alone may not necessarily be a cause for concern unless it persists significantly and interferes with other aspects of development.
C. “My child seems to be quite wary of strangers.”
Stranger anxiety is a normal developmental stage, and many children exhibit wariness or fear of unfamiliar people around the age of 18 months. It is considered a typical response and not necessarily indicative of developmental delay.
D. “My child is able to stand but is not yet taking steps independently.”
At 18 months, most children are expected to be walking independently. The inability to take independent steps might be a concern for gross motor skill development. While some variation is normal, a delay in achieving this milestone might prompt further evaluation to rule out any underlying developmental issues.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR):
The first dose of the MMR vaccine is usually administered around 12-15 months of age. Therefore, this vaccine is appropriate for a 15-month-old child's routine health visit.
B. Pneumococcal:
The pneumococcal vaccine is typically given in several doses, with one of the doses recommended around 12-15 months. It's part of the routine immunization schedule for this age range.
C. Meningococcal:
Meningococcal vaccines are not usually part of the routine schedule at 15 months of age unless there are specific risk factors or circumstances that necessitate this vaccination.
D. Rotavirus (RV):
The rotavirus vaccine is administered in multiple doses, usually starting at around 2 months and completing before 8 months of age. By 15 months, the child should have completed the recommended doses.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. The child has the beginning signs of tooth eruption:
Teething usually begins around 4-7 months of age, so the beginning signs of tooth eruption (teething) are typical at six months.
B. The child is able to track and follow objects:
By six months, most infants can track and follow objects with their eyes, which is a normal developmental milestone for this age.
C. The child’s anterior fontanel is open:
The anterior fontanelle, the soft spot at the top of the baby's head, remains open until around 18-24 months of age, so its presence at six months is expected and considered normal.
D. The child’s posterior fontanel is open.
By six months of age, the posterior fontanelle, the soft spot located at the back of the baby's head, typically closes or is significantly smaller than it was at birth. The posterior fontanelle usually closes between 2 to 4 months of age in most infants. If it remains noticeably open by six months, it might warrant further evaluation as it could be indicative of a developmental or medical issue.

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.
