NCLEX Practice Test

The nurse conducts a developmental assessment of a 4-year-old child. Which of the following tasks does the nurse anticipate that the child will perform successfully? Select all that apply.

1. Draw a circle

2. Jump rope with both feet

3. Sit quietly for 30 minutes

4. Use a spoon and fork

5. Walk up and down stairs

The correct answer is: Draw a circle

A 4-year-old child typically demonstrates significant development in fine and gross motor skills, social skills, and cognitive abilities. Drawing a circle is a common task that reflects the progression of fine motor skills at this age. Most children by 4 years can imitate simple shapes, and drawing a circle is within this developmental milestone. Using a spoon and fork is another task that a 4-year-old is generally able to perform. At this stage, children are beginning to master self-feeding and can use utensils with some level of proficiency, often showing increased control in handling them during meals. Walking up and down stairs is also a skill expected of a child in this age group. By 4 years, children can often ascend and descend stairs using alternating feet, demonstrating their growing gross motor coordination. Jumping rope with both feet and sitting quietly for 30 minutes are beyond the typical capabilities and attention spans of most 4-year-olds. Jumping rope requires advanced coordination and timing that is usually not developed until later in childhood, while maintaining attention for extended periods is challenging for a child this age, as they thrive on activity and exploration.