A nurse is participating in the care of a 4-year-old child as part of the interdisciplinary team. Which of the following observations should the nurse report to the physical therapist?

A) The child is unable to skate with good balance. At 4 years old, a child’s balance and coordination are still developing. While skating requires more advanced skills, a child not having good balance at this age is not typically a concern unless other motor skills are delayed. Skating is not an expected milestone for a 4-year-old. B) The child is unable to jump rope. Jumping rope is a more complex skill that typically develops later, closer to ages 5 or 6, so the inability to do so at age 4 is not a cause for concern. It is a skill that requires fine motor coordination, balance, and timing, which may not be fully developed at this age. C) The child is unable to walk downstairs on alternating feet. At 4 years old, children are expected to be able to walk downstairs using alternating feet (one foot on each step). If a child cannot perform this task, it may indicate a delay in gross motor development, specifically in coordination and balance. This is a developmental milestone that typically emerges by age 4 and should be reported to the physical therapist for further evaluation. D) The child is unable to walk backwards from heel to toe. Walking backwards from heel to toe is a more advanced skill that typically develops later in childhood. This skill is not expected at age 4, so the child’s inability to do so is not a red flag for developmental concerns. It is more appropriate for older children.