The nurse is assessing a 30-month-old child during a routine well-child visit. Which statement by the parent would alert the nurse to further assess for a developmental delay or disorder?

Choice A rationale A preference for certain toys is a common, non-pathological finding in toddlers as they develop individual interests and preferences. While extreme rigidity in play or an inability to shift focus may be concerning, simple preference alone does not typically indicate a significant developmental delay in a 30-month-old child, but rather a normal expression of autonomy. Further assessment would involve observing the quality and functional use of play. Choice B rationale Food selectivity or "picky eating" is a very frequent and normal developmental phase during toddlerhood, often peaking around age two to five years, and is not usually indicative of a neurological or pervasive developmental disorder. A child's refusal to frequently try new foods, especially in the absence of weight loss or growth failure, is not an immediate alarm for developmental delay. Choice C rationale Restlessness in a structured public setting like a restaurant with a waiting period is an expected behavior for a 30-month-old toddler due to their limited attention span and developmental need for gross motor activity and immediate gratification. This is a common age-appropriate reaction to boredom and constraint, not a sign of major developmental pathology. Choice D rationale At 30 months old, a child's expressive language milestone should significantly exceed "one or two words" and grunting. The expected milestone for this age is a vocabulary of 50 or more words and the ability to combine two to three words into short phrases or sentences (e.g., "Mommy go"). This finding strongly suggests a language delay warranting immediate comprehensive developmental evaluation.