Pediatrics HESI 2023 Related

Review Pediatrics HESI 2023 related questions and content

While assessing an 18-month-old child, a nurse observes that the toddler can crawl upstairs but needs assistance when climbing the stairs upright. What does this action indicate to the nurse?

  • A. Presence of talipes equinovarus
  • B. Reflective of neurologic damage
  • C. Expected behavior in a toddler of this age
  • D. Existence of developmental dysplasia of the hip
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: At 18 months of age, needing assistance to climb stairs upright is considered normal behavior for a toddler. Crawling upstairs is a different motor skill and does not necessarily correlate with the ability to climb stairs. The child is still developing gross motor skills, and climbing stairs upright typically requires more coordination and strength, which may not be fully developed at this age. Choices A, B, and D are not relevant in this scenario as the observed behavior is within the expected range of development for an 18-month-old child.