A nurse is collecting data from a 10-year-old child during a well-child visit.
Which of the following statements by the child indicates he is meeting the psychosocial development expectations of a school-age child?

Choice A rationale

Watermelon with seeds poses a choking hazard for young children, making it an unsafe food choice. The seeds can easily get stuck in a child’s throat, leading to potential airway obstruction. Additionally, small children might not have the coordination to properly spit out seeds, increasing the risk of accidental swallowing and subsequent choking. Therefore, whole fruits with seeds are generally recommended to be avoided for toddlers.

Choice B rationale

Raw carrots are another choking hazard for young children due to their hard texture. Toddlers might not have developed the necessary chewing skills to safely eat raw vegetables, increasing the risk of choking. Small, hard foods like raw carrots can be difficult to chew and swallow, making them unsafe for children under the age of three. Cooked or finely chopped vegetables are safer alternatives.

Choice C rationale

Mashed potatoes are a safe and appropriate food choice for a 14-month-old child. They are soft, easy to chew, and swallow, reducing the risk of choking. Mashed potatoes can be easily modified to suit the nutritional needs and texture preferences of young children. They can also be fortified with other healthy ingredients like pureed vegetables or proteins to make a balanced meal for toddlers.

Choice D rationale

Popcorn is a known choking hazard for young children and is not recommended for those under the age of four. Popcorn kernels are small, hard, and irregularly shaped, making them difficult for young children to chew and swallow safely. The risk of choking on popcorn is high due to its propensity to lodge in the airway, causing potentially serious complications. .

Choice A rationale

Push-pull toys help with walking development and coordination, suitable for an 11-month-old who is likely starting to take their first steps.

Choice B rationale

Large-piece puzzles are more appropriate for older toddlers who have developed better fine motor skills and problem-solving abilities.

Choice C rationale

Crib gyms are more suited for younger infants who spend more time lying down and can benefit from reaching and batting at toys.

Choice D rationale

Coloring books with crayons are best for older toddlers who have better control over their hand movements and can safely use small objects like crayons.