NCLEX-PN® ExaminationHealth Promotion and MaintenanceMedium
A practical nurse is assessing a 2-year-old child during a well-child visit. The nurse is observing the child's developmental milestones. Which finding would be considered an expected gross motor skill for a child at this age?
- ARiding a tricycle.
- BHopping on one foot.
- CSkipping with alternating feet.
- DWalking up and down stairs holding onto a rail.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Walking up and down stairs holding onto a rail.
By 2 years of age, most children can walk up and down stairs while holding onto a rail, demonstrating improved balance and coordination. The other options are typically developed later in early childhood.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Riding a tricycle is typically a skill developed around 3-4 years.
- B. Hopping on one foot is usually achieved around 3-4 years.
- C. Skipping with alternating feet is typically a skill developed around 4-5 years.
2-Year-Old Gross Motor Milestones
Physical abilities involving large muscle movements that a child typically achieves by 24 months of age.
- Running fairly well.
- Kicking a ball forward.
- Walking up and down stairs holding on.
Memory trick: Two-year-olds Take Steps Steadily.