NCLEX-RNHealth Promotion and MaintenanceMedium
A nurse is conducting a well-child visit for a 4-month-old infant. The parents express concern because the infant has not yet rolled over from back to front. Which of the following responses by the nurse is most appropriate?
- A“Most babies roll consistently by 4 months; let’s discuss ways to encourage this milestone.”
- B“This is a significant delay; we should schedule a developmental screening immediately.”
- C“Have you noticed any other delays in motor skills, such as head lag?”
- D“Infants typically roll from back to front around 6 months; this is within the normal range.”
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. “Infants typically roll from back to front around 6 months; this is within the normal range.”
While some infants may begin to roll from back to front by 4 months, the typical age range for this milestone is closer to 5-6 months. Rolling from front to back often occurs earlier. Therefore, at 4 months, not yet rolling from back to front is generally considered within the normal developmental window.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. This statement is inaccurate; while some babies might, it's not 'most' consistently by 4 months for back-to-front rolling. Encouragement is good, but the premise is slightly off.
- B. This statement is overly alarming and inaccurate. A single milestone not met at the very beginning of its typical range does not automatically indicate a significant delay.
- C. While assessing other motor skills is part of a comprehensive assessment, immediately jumping to concerns about other delays without first confirming if the current situation is actually a delay is premature and can cause unnecessary parental anxiety.
Infant Rolling Milestones
Key developmental stages for infants learning to roll, typically occurring between 4 and 6 months of age.
- Rolls front to back: often 4-5 months.
- Rolls back to front: often 5-6 months.
- Individual variations are common within normal ranges.
Memory trick: Milestone Ages Guide Your Ways