A nurse is assessing a 6-month-old infant. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?
A.
Inability to sit without support
B.
Inability to feed himself
C.
Inability to raise head when in prone position
D.
Inability to stand alone without support
The answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is C. Inability to raise head when in prone position.
Explanation:
Assessing developmental milestones is crucial in monitoring the growth and development of infants. By 6 months of age, certain physical and motor skills are expected. Deviations from these milestones can indicate developmental delays or underlying health issues that require further evaluation.
- Inability to Raise Head When in Prone Position:
- By 6 months, an infant should have sufficient neck and upper body strength to raise and hold their head up when placed on their stomach (prone position). This skill is a critical developmental milestone that demonstrates proper muscle tone and neurological function. An inability to do this can signal a developmental delay, muscular weakness, or neurological issues. Therefore, this finding is concerning and should be reported to the provider for further assessment.
- Inability to Sit Without Support:
- While some infants may begin to sit without support by 6 months, many still require assistance. It is generally considered within the normal range if an infant is not yet sitting independently at this age. Sitting without support typically develops between 6 to 8 months.
- Inability to Feed Himself:
- Self-feeding is a skill that usually begins closer to 8 to 10 months, so a 6-month-old is not expected to feed themselves. At this age, most infants are starting on solid foods, but they rely heavily on caregivers for feeding.
- Inability to Stand Alone Without Support:
- Standing without support is a milestone typically reached between 9 to 12 months of age. It is not expected of a 6-month-old infant.
In conclusion, the inability to raise the head when in a prone position is abnormal for a 6-month-old and suggests a potential developmental concern that should be reported to a healthcare provider immediately.