A 3-month-old infant, born at 38 weeks of gestation, will hold a rattle if it is put in her hands, but she will not voluntarily grasp it. How should the nurse interpret this action?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: At 3 months of age, most infants should be able to voluntarily grasp objects placed in their hands. This infant, who was born at 38 weeks of gestation, is showing signs of slight delay in development. Premature infants often have developmental delays, especially in motor skills, compared to full-term infants. The fact that the infant can hold a rattle if it is put in her hands is a positive sign, indicating that she is on the right track developmentally but might be a little behind schedule. Continuing to monitor the infant's progress and providing appropriate developmental stimulation can help promote further motor skill development. There is no indication at this point to suspect a significant developmental lag or a neurologic disorder like cerebral palsy without further assessment and observation.