When assessing a 2.5-year-old, the nurse would expect the toddler to have:

Choice A rationale The average number of deciduous teeth at 2.5 years of age is 20. The first set of teeth, also known as primary or milk teeth, typically begins to erupt around 6 months of age and all 20 are generally present by the time a child is 3 years old. Twelve deciduous teeth would be an expected number for a younger toddler, around 1 to 1.5 years old. Choice B rationale A 2.5-year-old child should have a full set of 20 deciduous teeth. These teeth typically erupt in a predictable sequence, starting with the central incisors and ending with the second molars, which usually appear between 2 and 3 years of age. By 30 months, all 20 primary teeth are typically present and functional for chewing and speech development. Choice C rationale This combination is incorrect for a 2.5-year-old. The first permanent teeth, the molars, do not typically begin to erupt until around age 6. A 2.5-year-old would only have deciduous teeth, and the number would be 20. The permanent teeth are not yet present at this age, as the jaw is still growing. Choice D rationale This combination is incorrect. A 2.5-year-old has a full set of 20 deciduous teeth. The presence of permanent teeth at this age is not typical. The first permanent teeth erupt between ages 6 and 7. The number of deciduous teeth would also be an incorrect count, as 16 deciduous teeth would be present in a younger toddler.