Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN)

Which pattern of development is demonstrated when an infant develops arm movements before fine-motor skills?

1. Cephalocaudal

2. Proximodistal

3. Differentiation

4. Mass-to-specific

The correct answer is: Proximodistal

The pattern of development demonstrated when an infant develops arm movements before fine-motor skills is known as proximodistal development. This concept describes how motor skills progress from the center of the body outward. In infants, this means that they first gain control over their larger muscle groups (like those in the arms) before they develop finer, more precise movements (such as grasping or manipulating objects with the fingers). This pattern is significant because it shows how growth and development are not random; rather, they follow systematic trajectories that align with the anatomical and physiological growth of the child. The ability to move the arms is indicative of developing gross motor skills, which typically precedes the more intricate fine motor skills involving the hands and fingers. Knowing this pattern is helpful for understanding developmental milestones in pediatrics, as it allows healthcare providers to identify typical growth trajectories and recognize any deviations that may require further assessment.