While assessing the sensory development of a 2-month-old infant, which finding should most alert the nurse to a possible sensory deficit?

Sensory development in a 2-month-old infant includes emerging visual and auditory tracking abilities that reflect early neurologic and sensory integration. At this stage, infants typically respond to auditory stimuli by turning their head or eyes toward sounds and begin to show recognition of familiar voices. Failure to respond to sound may indicate a hearing impairment or neurologic sensory processing deficit. Early identification of sensory deficits is essential to support timely intervention and developmental outcomes. A. A brief startle response to gentle touch is a normal primitive reflex in young infants. This response indicates intact somatosensory pathways and is expected at this developmental stage. The presence of this reflex does not suggest sensory impairment but rather normal neurologic function. B. Failure to turn the head or eyes toward a familiar voice or sound is concerning for possible hearing impairment or auditory processing deficit. By 2 months of age, infants should demonstrate auditory localization and responsiveness to familiar voices. Lack of this response may indicate congenital hearing loss or neurological dysfunction affecting sensory integration. C. Frequent cupping and occasional sighing during sleep are not recognized indicators of sensory deficits. These behaviors may represent normal sleep-related respiratory or motor variations in infants. Without other concerning neurological or developmental signs, this finding is not suggestive of sensory impairment. D. Occasional visual fixation on a brightly colored toy is an expected developmental milestone at 2 months of age. Infants begin to develop visual tracking and brief focus on high-contrast or bright objects. This finding reflects normal visual sensory development rather than a deficit.