The nurse is preparing a variety of projects for the pediatric clients on the unit to work on in the playroom. In deciding on projects, the nurse determines the 8-year-old will be best suited to work on which activity?

Choice A reason: Walking then running is a gross motor sequence, not proximodistal, which progresses from central to peripheral control. Arm waving to foot grasping shows this pattern, making this incorrect, as it does not illustrate the infant’s proximodistal development in the instructor’s class.

Choice B reason: Rolling over precedes eye tracking, but proximodistal development involves motor control from trunk to extremities. Arm waving to foot grasping better illustrates this, making this incorrect, as it does not reflect the central-to-peripheral progression of infant motor development in the lesson.

Choice C reason: Imitating sounds to speaking is linguistic, not proximodistal, which focuses on motor control from core to limbs. Arm waving to foot grasping demonstrates this pattern, making this incorrect, as it does not represent the physical developmental sequence taught in the infant development class.

Choice D reason: Kicking and arm waving involve trunk and proximal muscles, while grasping the foot uses distal control, illustrating proximodistal development. Students choosing this show understanding, aligning with infant motor development principles, making it the correct example for a successful class on infant development.

Choice A reason: A fractured bone can occur from accidents or abuse, but alone, it is not specific to maltreatment without inconsistent history or pattern. An untreated burn is more suggestive of neglect or abuse, as it indicates failure to seek care, making this less definitive and incorrect compared to a clear neglect indicator.

Choice B reason: Hyperactivity and anger are behavioral responses that may occur in abused children but are nonspecific and common in other conditions. An untreated burn is a clearer physical sign of potential neglect or abuse, making this behavioral finding less indicative and incorrect for alerting to possible child maltreatment.

Choice C reason: Bruises on knees and elbows are typical in active children from play, not necessarily indicative of abuse. An untreated burn raises stronger suspicion of neglect or intentional injury, making this common finding less concerning and incorrect for identifying potential child maltreatment in a clinical setting.

Choice D reason: An untreated burn is highly suggestive of child abuse or neglect, as it indicates failure to seek medical care for a serious injury. This finding, especially if unexplained or inconsistent with history, aligns with child maltreatment indicators, making it the most alerting sign for the nurse to investigate further.