The nurse is assisting in planning care for the child.
Which of the following interventions should the nurse plan to include?

Choice A rationale

The center of the heel contains dense tissue and lacks capillary beds required for adequate blood sampling. Puncturing this area increases the risk of causing trauma without yielding sufficient blood flow, making it an inappropriate site for a heel stick.

Choice B rationale

The lateral side of the heel is the optimal site for a heel stick as it contains capillary-rich tissue and avoids major nerves and bones. Using this site minimizes pain while ensuring adequate blood flow for sampling. It is the recommended location for newborn blood tests.

Choice C rationale

The arch of the foot is unsuitable for blood sampling due to low capillary density and proximity to sensitive nerves. Puncturing this area can result in significant discomfort with insufficient blood yield, making it an inappropriate choice for a heel stick.

Choice D rationale

The ball of the foot is not recommended for heel sticks because it is primarily used for weight-bearing and contains dense tissue unsuitable for adequate capillary blood flow. Puncturing this area increases the risk of unnecessary trauma while yielding suboptimal blood samples. .

Choice A rationale

Turning two pages at a time demonstrates developing fine motor skills inconsistent with expectations for a 15-month-old toddler. Precise movements like single-page turning emerge later as coordination improves. At 15 months, toddlers refine gross and fine motor abilities, but this specific skill reflects less mature motor development. Expected milestones include simpler fine motor activities, such as scribbling or grasping objects proficiently, rather than more intricate tasks like single-page manipulation.

Choice B rationale

Throwing a ball overhead without falling showcases gross motor proficiency uncommon at 15 months. Toddlers at this age focus on foundational motor skills like walking, climbing, and controlled ball rolling. Overhead throwing requires advanced coordination and balance attained closer to 18-24 months. Developmental norms for a 15-month-old include gross motor milestones achievable without falling, such as walking without assistance or climbing onto furniture.

Choice C rationale

Drinking independently from a cup reflects the cognitive and fine motor milestones expected at 15 months. Toddlers this age exhibit autonomy in feeding and drinking behaviors, developing hand-eye coordination and grasp capabilities. This skill aligns with typical developmental progress seen in toddlers, highlighting improved self-sufficiency in routine activities. Independent drinking demonstrates their growing ability to manage objects and accomplish tasks without assistance.

Choice D rationale

Referring to themselves by their first name exceeds language development typical at 15 months. Toddlers this age often use single words or gestures to communicate, advancing to name recognition later, around 18-24 months. Self-identification progresses as language and cognitive abilities mature. At 15 months, expressing their name independently is less likely compared to basic word combinations or simple self-references. .