A nurse is caring for a 30-month-old child. Which of the following activities should the nurse expect the child to participate in?
Explanation & Rationale
A) Playing with an imaginary friend: While imaginative play does begin to develop in toddlers, having an imaginary friend is more typical in older preschool-aged children, around 3 to 4 years old. Therefore, this activity may not be expected in a 30-month-old child. B) Playing with a large plastic truck: At 30 months old, children are typically engaged in parallel play and are interested in toys that promote gross motor skills and imaginative play. Playing with a large plastic truck is developmentally appropriate, as children at this age enjoy manipulating vehicles and may engage in simple pretend play related to driving or racing. C) Playing with dress-up clothes: Although some children may enjoy dress-up, this activity tends to be more prominent in slightly older toddlers and preschoolers. A 30-month-old may show interest in dressing up but may not engage in it as frequently or with as much understanding of role play as older children. D) Playing with a jump rope: Jump rope activities require a level of coordination and motor skills that are typically beyond what a 30-month-old child can achieve. At this age, children are still developing basic motor skills and would not yet be proficient in using a jump rope effectively.