Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN)

When evaluating a 6 month old, which finding is most concerning?

1. The child weighs twice as much as his birth weight

2. The child does not look for hidden objects

3. The child does not understand the word 'no'

4. The child does not transfer objects from one hand to another

The correct answer is: The child does not transfer objects from one hand to another

The finding that the child does not transfer objects from one hand to another is particularly concerning because it suggests a delay in fine motor development. By 6 months of age, infants typically begin to develop their hand skills and should be able to manipulate objects, including passing items from one hand to the other. This skill is a crucial part of their cognitive and physical development, indicating both fine motor ability and visual perception. In contrast, the other options reflect developmental milestones that are expected to be met by this age. Weighing twice the birth weight is normal by 6 months, as is the lack of understanding of the word 'no', which typically emerges later in development. Not looking for hidden objects can be concerning, but it does not carry the same level of importance regarding developmental milestones as the ability to transfer objects. Thus, the inability to transfer objects from one hand to another highlights a significant aspect of fine motor skills that is essential for further developmental progress.