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Thumb-sucking would be discouraged when the teeth begin to erupt: Eruption of primary teeth does not require immediate cessation of nonnutritive sucking. In infancy, thumb-sucking is a normal self-soothing behavior and does not typically affect dental alignment at this stage. Dental concerns arise only with prolonged habits into later childhood.

A pacifier would be substituted for the thumb: Substituting a pacifier does not eliminate nonnutritive sucking and may prolong the behavior. Both pacifiers and thumb-sucking serve the same developmental purpose in infancy. Introducing another object is unnecessary when the behavior is developmentally appropriate.

Thumb-sucking would be discouraged by age 12 months: Discouraging thumb-sucking at 12 months is premature and inconsistent with normal developmental expectations. Most children naturally reduce the behavior as they mature. Concern typically arises if the habit continues beyond 3 to 4 years of age.

It is palmar grasp, which is expected at this age: The palmar grasp involves using the whole hand and fingers against the palm, which is typical of younger infants. By around 8 to 9 months, infants begin to develop more refined finger movements. Picking up small pieces of food reflects a more advanced motor skill than a palmar grasp.

It is an abnormal finding that requires evaluation: The ability to pick up small pieces of food at 8 months aligns with expected fine motor development. This skill represents normal neurologic and musculoskeletal maturation. No further evaluation is indicated in the absence of other developmental concerns.

It indicates that the infant is hyperactive: Fine motor skill acquisition is not an indicator of hyperactivity. The ability to manipulate small objects reflects normal neuromuscular coordination rather than behavioral dysregulation. This interpretation is not developmentally supported.

Estrogen production: Estrogen levels decline rapidly after delivery to allow lactation to begin. Increased estrogen would actually interfere with milk production rather than support uterine involution. Estrogen does not contribute to postpartum uterine contraction.

Lactose production: Lactose is synthesized in the mammary glands as a component of breast milk. While important for infant nutrition, lactose production does not influence uterine tone or bleeding control. It has no role in preventing postpartum hemorrhage.

Progesterone production: Progesterone levels fall after placental delivery, which allows milk secretion to occur. Increased progesterone would inhibit lactation and does not promote uterine contraction. Progesterone is not involved in reducing postpartum bleeding.

Unusual because the onset of pubescence is usually the same in siblings: The timing of puberty can vary significantly among siblings due to genetic, nutritional, and environmental factors. Siblings often enter puberty at different ages. Variation within families is considered normal.

Unusual and requires further evaluation of the son: Puberty in boys commonly begins between 9 and 14 years of age, with testicular enlargement as the first sign. At 13 years, the absence of visible pubertal changes can still fall within normal limits. Further evaluation is typically considered only after age 14 with no pubertal development.

Abnormal because the onset of pubescence is usually earlier in boys than it is in girls: Girls generally enter puberty earlier than boys due to earlier activation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis. This option reverses the expected developmental pattern.

Harlequin color sign: Harlequin color change results from immature autonomic regulation of peripheral blood flow. It is a benign, transient finding commonly seen in newborns. It does not indicate impaired adaptation to extrauterine life.

Weight loss representing 5% of the newborn's birth weight: Newborns commonly lose up to 7–10% of birth weight during the first few days due to fluid shifts and limited intake. A 5% weight loss at 24 hours is expected, especially in breastfed infants. This finding reflects normal physiologic adjustment.

Acrocyanosis: Bluish discoloration of the hands and feet is common in newborns due to peripheral vasomotor instability. It is expected during the first 24–48 hours of life. Central perfusion and oxygenation remain adequate despite this finding.

Telling the child that both glasses have the same amount: Young children often think concretely and focus on appearance rather than volume. Logical explanations about equivalence do not align with their developmental level. This approach is unlikely to reduce resistance or support cooperation.

Asking the child's parents to give the milk to the child: Parental involvement can be supportive, but it does not address the child’s discomfort with the unfamiliar container. The refusal is related to routine and familiarity rather than who offers the milk. Changing the feeder alone may not resolve the issue.

Compelling the child to drink milk, as it is healthy: Forcing intake can increase anxiety, reduce trust, and lead to negative associations with eating. Coercive approaches are inappropriate and can worsen refusal behaviors. Respecting the child’s developmental needs promotes cooperation.

Competition is detrimental to the establishment of a positive self-image: At school age, children benefit from structured competition when it is supportive and age-appropriate. Participation in sports can enhance self-esteem, social skills, and confidence. Competition becomes problematic only when expectations are unrealistic or overly pressured.

Girls should compete only against girls because at this age boys are larger and have more muscle mass: At 8 years old, physical differences between boys and girls are minimal and do not limit safe participation. Mixed-gender sports are common and developmentally appropriate at this stage. Skill level and interest are more important than gender.

Organized sports such as soccer are not appropriate at this age: By age 8, children are capable of understanding rules, cooperating with peers, and participating in team activities. Organized sports are commonly recommended during this developmental stage. Avoiding sports would unnecessarily limit physical and social development.

"You should take your child to see a psychiatrist to break the news.": Divorce disclosure does not require a mental health professional unless the child demonstrates significant emotional or behavioral distress. Involving a psychiatrist may increase fear or confusion for a preschool-aged child. Parents are the primary source of emotional security at this developmental stage.

"You should not discuss it with the child until after the divorce is final.": Delaying disclosure can increase anxiety as children often sense changes in family dynamics. Preschool children benefit from timely, simple explanations that match their developmental level. Waiting may lead to misconceptions or feelings of insecurity.

"You should ask the grandparents or another relative to break the news.": Having someone other than the parents disclose the divorce can undermine trust and attachment. Children need reassurance directly from their parents that they are loved and will be cared for. Parents are best positioned to provide consistent emotional support.

up and forward: Pulling the pinna up and forward is appropriate for adults and older children, not infants. Using this direction in an infant can cause discomfort and improper visualization of the tympanic membrane.

down and forward: Pulling down and forward does not adequately align the ear canal in infants. It may hinder visualization and cause unnecessary discomfort during the procedure.

up and back: Pulling the pinna up and back is used for children older than 3 years and adults. Applying this method to infants can result in incomplete visualization of the ear canal and tympanic membrane.