Pediatric ATI Practice Exam

Which fine motor development milestone should a nurse expect in a 4-year-old child?

1. Prints first and last name clearly.

2. Begins writing in cursive.

3. Copies a circle.

4. Cuts foods using a table knife.

The correct answer is: Copies a circle.

At 4 years old, a child's fine motor skills typically include the ability to copy simple shapes. Some children at this age will start to refine their hand-eye coordination and dexterity, which allows them to replicate basic figures such as circles. This developmental achievement is important as it lays the groundwork for more complex writing and drawing skills they will develop as they grow older. The ability to print a name clearly is more characteristic of children ages 5 to 6. Writing in cursive is generally not expected until later in childhood, usually around 8 years old. Cutting food with a table knife requires more advanced fine motor skills and coordination, which typically develops around age 5 to 6, as children learn more about the use of utensils and develop increased independence in self-feeding.